Workplace communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas, both verbally and non-verbally between one person or group and another person or group within an organization. It includes e-mails, videoconferencing, text messages, notes, calls, etc. Effective communication is critical in getting the job done, as well as building a sense of trust and increasing productivity
Did you ever play the game telephone when you were a kid?
The one where the first person whispers a phrase, and it goes down the line from person to person, and once it gets to the end, it’s an entirely different word? Well then here are few tips to Improve Workplace Communication.
It’s all fun and games when it’s a harmless thing like that, but what about when it comes to something important like a major deadline for a project and each team member is on a different page. Don’t wait until the house is on fire to install the smoke alarms. We can always strive for better communication, and hopefully, these tips can help.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 1: Disagree Without Being Disagreeable
Many businesses can fail because managers tend to stick to those who align with them and push away those who may disagree or think differently when the company strives to be on the same page and accept employees for the different qualities they bring to the company. When your company provides an environment for employees to come forward with their ideas, the company culture will thrive. Conversely, success will be harder to climb if the domain is where employees feel unheard and undervalued.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 2: Network Better
A lot of people don’t like networking groups. I’m introvert learning how to be an extrovert when needed because I know it will help me succeed. Networking helps expand your circle; it also helps develop better communication skills which are great for those looking at a promotion. You never know when you “need a guy” in a specific industry, i.e., having a lawyer friend is nice.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 3: Practice active listening
Active listening means using nonverbal cues and gestures to show your attention is on the speaker. For example, things like eye contact, interjecting phrases such as “yeah, sure,” or nodding your head show you are paying attention and trying to understand what is said.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 4: Observe body language
People-watching is a favorite pass-time for many folks; step it up a bit and start watching the body language. The things someone says are just as important as the things that go unsaid. By watching their body language, you will decipher how they feel—watching someone’s body position, gestures, facial expressions, and even the amount of eye contact they hold.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 5: Maintain professional language
You must keep language professional; if you wouldn’t send a message to your supervisor, don’t send it at all. Keeping language kosher in email and presentations will show your confidence and knowledge rather than being less educated with poor language skills.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 6: Engage in face-to-face communication
Emails and instant messages are easier to send a quick message however face to face communication will add more clarity and more effective communication. Plus, we need to brush up on face-to-face communication since the pandemic turned a lot of people into hermit teleworkers. Video calls pull some of the slack, so being dressed and the camera on says a lot more than bed head and the camera turned off. You no longer have to be ‘in-office’ to create that environment.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 7: Be transparent about your needs.
Another way to communicate effectively in the workplace is to practice transparency, i.e., instead of agreeing to take on another project when you’re already swamped, be open with your co-workers/supervisors. This allows for maximizing workplace productivity and stamina.
Having an employer who listens and tries to fulfill those needs adds more employee loyalty, among many other positives.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 8: Download proofreading tools
Having a professional email without spelling errors and the correct tone can go a long way.
Something like Grammarly helps with the grammar and helps identify the tone of the email to ensure you don’t sound like a grump when you’re excited. A text comes across differently, and the emotion is missed. Having the tone pointed out to you and following the suggestions will have you at the top of your game.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 9: Use clear and concise language.
There aren’t many things more frustrating than someone being vague when you’re looking for answers. Asking ‘Do I make sense?’ and similar questions will help tighten the understanding for those in the conversation. Being transparent with written and verbal communication is essential as it reduces confusion and allows employees to focus on the task at hand.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 10: Use the tone of voice to add clarity.
The tone of voice can set the mood for the entire conversation. It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. Using happy and uplifting tones shows interest in the discussion and offers value in the ideas brought forward. Having punctuation in an email, like using an exclamation point, shows the recipient helpful and essential to the company.
Improve Workplace Communication Tip 11: Ask open-ended vs. close-ended questions.
Open-ended questions encourage the other person to voice their opinions rather than answer yes or no. Open-ended questions allow for more information to surface regarding the topic. This helps people feel more comfortable in the workplace as they feel heard and communicate freely. In contrast, something important may be forgotten or glossed over in a closed question instead. Think of the five W’s; who, what, where, when, and why.
Whether you’re a business owner or employee you can make a change.
