Effective Communication in the Workplace: How and Why?

Communication is one of the major concerns in the workplace. Creating and maintaining a positive work environment is what means effective workplace communication. Let’s find out how it can be done. 

We have all been there, where we are given a task or leave a meeting and have no idea what to do next. It’s quite common. According to the statistics, 57% of employeesOpens a new window report not being given clear directions and 69% of managers are not comfortable communicating with the employees in general. From the statistics, it is clear that there is a need to improve communication in the workplace. But first things first – what is workplace communication?

Communication in the workplace is one of the signs of a high-performance culture. Exchanging information and ideas within an organization is called workplace communication. However, effective communication occurs when a message is sent and received accurately. In every aspect of life (both professional and personal), effective communication is important to success and happiness. Effective communication in the workplaceOpens a new window is central to all business goals. 

Why is communication so important in the workplace?

• It avoids confusion
• It provides purpose
• It builds a positive company culture
• It creates accountability

Improving communication starts at the top to meet your business intent. Often, effective communication at the workplace is what distinguishes a good leader from a great one. Communication at workplace defines organizational goals and helps coworkers collaborate. This is a step towards a fundamental business practice for a committed and productive workforce. In a study, companies ranked communication skills twice as important as managerial skillsOpens a new window . Here are the skills that employers mostly seek in new hires, ranked in terms of priority.

• Oral communication
• Listening
• Written communication
• Public speaking
• Adaptability

It’s vital to measure communication so you can see what works, what doesn’t, and tweak it accordingly. Workplace communication is important to your growth and success. It allows everyone to share their inputs and feel that their ideas are being valued.

Learn more: 20 Fresh Employee Engagement Ideas for 2020Opens a new window

How do you improve communication?

What are effective communication strategies we can use at work to increase productivity? 

• Start using the right tools for your business

Fortunately, tools like ProofHub, Slack, Zoom can help you boost company communication providing a total seamless communication experience.

• Encourage two-way communication

Encourage your employees to ask questions or voice their opinions helping them feel empowered.

• Tell people what they are doing right

It is a good idea to tell people about their good things on a daily basis.

• Specific and descriptive feedback

Give feedback that is concrete. Give directions to the person exactly on what they are doing well and what needs to be improved.

• Schedule a compulsory check-in

Organizing a short quick call with a very specific agenda brings in a lot of advantages.

• Organize engaging team building activities

According to a 2017 report by Gallup, companies with engaged workers generally earn 2.5-times more revenue. Team building activities enhance productivity and engagement.

• What is your communication process

Timely examine the strategy of your communication so that it reaps gains to the company.

Communication can be formal, informal,  internal or external. And within an organization, it is important to develop a healthy and beneficial communication process. Effective communicationOpens a new window is the key to achieving long-term success, so make sure you follow the above outline strategies. No matter what stage you are in the workplace, you need to communicate ideas well in the workplace, so effective communication.