Employee voice is a mechanism for employees to ‘have a say’ regarding issues that affect their work. It may involve a variety of channels, including formal and informal, as well as individual and collective ones. Using employee voice channels can have a range of organisational benefits:

  • Securing trust and confidence between employees, leaders and the organisation. 
  • Creating safe and inclusive environments. 
  • Informing an organisation’s response to current issues/challenges. 
  • Understanding what matters most to stakeholders – employees, customers, shareholders. 
  • Harnessing creativity and innovation. 
  • Driving business prosperity.

Using employee voice channels should be undertaken as part of the organisation’s wider approach and strategy to employee engagement and motivation. 

This guide looks at how organisations can maximise the impact of eight employee voice channels.

On this page

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership
  • Tools

    Quick wins to improve workplace culture

    Actionable steps HR and OD practitioners can take to focus on organisational culture and climate to drive better behaviour, performance and business outcomes

    For Members
  • Podcast

    HR People Pod

    Listen to episodes of HR People Pod, the CIPD’s fortnightly podcast providing expert insights from HR leaders discussing the topical issues impacting the world of work.

    Listen now
  • Factsheet

    Pay fairness and pay reporting

    Find out what's meant by fair pay, what pay information UK employers must disclose by law and the opportunities pay narratives bring.

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Occupational health

    Outlines the role of occupational health services in an organisation and the role of confidentiality and consent in discussing an employee’s health

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Recruitment: An introduction

    Facts on the recruitment and resourcing process; from defining the role to making the appointment

    For Members