What is upward communication?

"Upward communication" is communication from front line employees to their managers or higher-ranking people within an organization. It is one form of vertical communication, with downward or top-down communication being the other.

Upward communication is used by employees to offer input or ideas, to share feedback or to express concerns to organizational leaders. Some companies offer incentives to encourage employees to share innovative ideas that are put into practice. Upward communication may take place in person, on the phone or via email. Upward communication may involve an employee sharing with a direct supervisor or presenting information to the executive leadership level.