While employees at publicly traded companies are offered an inside look at their companies' financial performances each quarter, those at privately held companies are less likely to receive information on financial performance, according to a new survey by Robert Half Management Resources.

In fact, 76 percent of private-company chief financial officers surveyed report their companies don't give quarterly or annual financial updates to all employees while 17 percent of private-company respondents do so. Only 7 percent of private-company respondents share financial information with all employees.

"Private companies are not obligated to publicly issue financial results, but providing at least some indication to employees of how the organization is faring could ease any uncertainties that may exist," says Paul McDonald, a senior executive director with Robert Half. "Financial data is sensitive and complex, but choosing a few basic metrics to share can help staff develop a better understanding of the business and the challenges it faces and build stronger team focus.