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Workplace communication is the exchange of information between employees in a work environment. This includes face-to-face conversations, emails, chat messages, videoconferencing, phone calls, and other methods used to convey information in the workplace. Nonverbal communication like eye contact, body language, and tone of voice are also important aspects of workplace communication. Good communication in the workplace ensures employees have the information they need to perform well, builds a positive work environment, and eliminates inefficiencies. Effective communication should accurately convey information while maintaining or improving human relationships. Miscommunication has real consequences for a business. A survey conducted by Expert Market found that 28 percent of employees listed poor communication as the reason why they weren’t able to finish projects on time [1]. Miscommunication costs businesses with at least 100 employees approximately $450,000 or more a year on average [2]. How has COVID-19 changed what workplace communication looks like?COVID-19 has made many jobs remote-friendly and accelerated the digitization of communication channels in the workplace. This means there’s more interaction on video conferencing tools like Zoom and messaging channels like Slack or WhatsApp. In some cases, this has also meant a shift in communication culture. Some organizations have started to move away from traditional top-down approaches to more lateral communication styles where employees are encouraged to participate in cross-company conversations. Workplace communication starts at the individual but doesn’t stop there. Work culture, technology, and protocols can all play into how effective communication is in your workplace. Here are some ways you can improve workplace communication: 1. Work on individual communication skills.Communicating effectively with coworkers is key to having a positive experience at work. If you’re trying to bolster your communication skills as an individual, here are a few things to keep in mind as you interact with coworkers:
If you’re a manager, you might consider a communication skills workshop for your team. 2. Understand which method to use.Not every issue deserves its own meeting. When you have something to communicate, consider its importance, urgency, and complexity, and pick the right channel accordingly. Have a simple team reminder? A quick group message or email can get the point across. Need to learn or teach somebody how to use a tool? A face-to-face meeting might be the better method. It can be a good idea to establish team-wide practices about when to use which channel of communication. If your workplace needs some technological updates, consider approaching your manager to see if the organization is willing to invest in some. Plenty of chat platforms, email providers, and video conferencing tools can significantly improve communication flow. 3. Make meetings efficient.Research indicates that only 50 percent of time spent in meetings is considered a good use of time by attendees [3]. The good news? There are probably several ways to improve how meetings are run in your organization. Here are some best practices to make meetings efficient and effective:
4. Create an open culture.Creating a trusting environment is key to good communication in a workplace. People should feel comfortable voicing concerns, asking questions, and contributing their ideas.
You don't have to be in a leadership position to create changes in work culture. Start by seeking out these opportunities yourself. Suggest grabbing lunch with coworkers, joining a work club—or starting your own. 5. Schedule regular one-to-one and team meetings.Recurring meetings can give space for employees to bring up concerns they otherwise wouldn’t know when to bring up. If they aren’t already, suggest setting up one-to-one meetings consistently with your direct supervisor (or direct reports). Consistent team meetings can also allow team members to share concerns more widely and solicit input from others. Though it’s okay to cancel a meeting if there's no agenda, try to refrain from canceling too often. This might erode trust among employees and take away valuable time for employees to surface questions. Communication skills are called skills for a reason—they can be learned and require practice to master. If you’re trying to bring your communication skills to the next level, consider enrolling in a course like Improving Communication Skills from the University of Pennsylvania or Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups from the University of Colorado Boulder.  course Improving Communication SkillsLearn how to communicate more effectively at work and achieve your goals. Taught by award-winning Wharton professor and best-selling author Maurice ... 4.7 (1,773 ratings) 118,084 already enrolled BEGINNER level Average time: 1 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: goal setting, Communication, Negotiation, Deception Related articlesArticle sources1. Expert Market. https://www.expertmarket.com/phone-systems/workplace-communication-statistics." Accessed May 23, 2022. 2. Debra Hamilton. “Top 10 Email Blunders That Cost Companies Money, https://fliphtml5.com/eadm/btcd/basic.” Accessed May 23, 2022. 3. Forbes. “Half Of All Meetings Are a Waste of Time-Here’s How To Improve Them, https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterhigh/2019/11/25/half-of-all-meetings-are-a-waste-of-timeheres-how-to-improve-them/?sh=1f2844ef2ea9." Accessed May 23, 2022. Why is good communication important in the workplace?Good communication in the workplace ensures employees have the information they need to perform well, builds a positive work environment, and eliminates inefficiencies. Effective communication should accurately convey information while maintaining or improving human relationships.
What is the good of communication?In your personal life, effective communication can lead to:
Improved social, emotional, and mental health. Deeper existing connections. New bonds based on trust and transparency. Better problem–solving and conflict resolution skills.
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