A new survey highlights the importance for managers to be skilled communicators, with more than half of workers polled saying they plan to quit their companies over the next two years because of bad communication.

According to a report by workplace communications consultancy CHA, the typical UK workplace is awash with communications initiatives. However, while workers may be bombarded with corporate-speak, many are still not sure what their organisation stands for, where it is going or how their contribution is going to make a difference. The alternative, it seems, is no communication at all.

The poll shows that workers only want relevant information. Of the 1000 workers surveyed, 60% of those who are kept in the dark plan to leave in the next two years, however those who know what the plan is are five times more likely to be motivated.

Meanwhile 65% say too much of the information they get is not relevant to their job.

Colette Hill, Chief Executive of CHA, said: "Business leaders need to become better and more regular communicators. They need to get out into the field to have conversations with their employees; they need to bring staff together to share ideas and plans; and they need to ensure leaders at every level in their organisation see employee communication as a vital part of their day job."

According to the report over 80% of workers who receive clear communication are motivated to add value; the figure drops to less 36% in organisations where the communication is confusing.

National Grid, Group HR Director Pat Fulker concurred with CHA. "The findings of this survey underline the findings of our group-wide employee survey - ie that communication is a key issue, in particular the need for it to be two way. It is not enough to rely on company magazines and newsletters; employees want to hear messages face to face from their managers with an ability to feed back. It is vital that managers are trained as communicators and we see the team brief is an integral part of this process."