Their work suffers because they don't have the information they need, morale lowers because they feel unimportant, and frustration levels increase because they can't get my feedback. It's not just employees who lose. When I don't stay in touch, I don't have the information I need to make decisions. More importantly, the whole company loses the great ideas that come when people are given a way to share their creativity and problem-solving abilities. It seems silly in a small company to all sit around once a week in a meeting.
Email is a great way to share information.
Pick up the phone. Paul Orfalea, the Chairman of Kinko's, has a system where he can pick up his phone and leave a voice mail for every store. He makes about seven calls a week, telling all employees what's going on, complimenting an employee, giving them a challenge. Voice mail is a quick way to stay in touch. Encourage and remind employees to share with you.