Effective Communication in the Workplace
1
What is Workplace Communication?
Workplace communication is the process of exchanging information, both verbal and
non-verbal, within an organization. There are many means of communication. To be an
effective and valuable member of your workplace it is important that you become skilled
in all the different methods of communication that are appropriate.
Effective workplace communication ensures that organizational objectives are achieved.
Workplace communication is tremendously important to organizations because it
increases productivity and efficiency. Ineffective workplace communication leads to
communication gaps between employees, which causes confusion, wastes time, and
reduces productivity. Misunderstandings that cause friction between people can be
avoided by communicating effectively.
For communication to
occur
it must
pass from a sender to a receiver
. This must occur
irrespective of the form of communication.
For communication to be effective it
must be understood by the receiver
and
can be
responded to
. This means that communication involves speaking, reading, listening,
and reasoning skills.
As communications pass from the source to the receiver there is plenty of opportunity
for its original meaning to change. Therefore listening, reasoning and feedback is an
important part of the process as it is an opportunity for the sender to make sure the
receiver has understood the message.
The other consideration is the “noise” associated with the communication – what else is
happening, what are the distractions, the baggage etc. Noise can have a big impact on
the message the receiver decodes.
Why is Effective Communication Important?
1. Workplace communication improves productivity.
2. Workplace communication can increase employee job satisfaction.
3. Workplace communication can have a positive effect on absenteeism and
turnover rates.
