The first group that put together a full puzzle received gift certificates. At another meeting, the objective was to understand each department's annual goals and objectives. Each group had 45 minutes to put together a five-minute musical presentation on its department. The exercise definitely got everyone to pay attention and increased understanding of each department's role in the company. Provide Opportunities for Feedback Communication is a two-way process, so make sure you provide many opportunities for feedback.
Suggestion boxes are OK, but they, too, lack the personal touch.
One technique that has worked well for me is the brown-bag lunch. Here, the executives literally have lunch with selected employees or departments to talk more intimately about the company. The walls come down and hierarchical distinctions fade, so it's possible to have a real exchange of ideas in this format. It keeps people fired up and builds a spirit of momentum within the organization. And although those sales brochures are expensive, post them in break rooms or circulate samples to departments so they can see how the company is communicating its message externally.