We often hear that communication is the pillar of a business and that fostering open communication is crucial for the success of a conmpany. However, good and open communication in the workplace is not always such a simple matter.
In truth, there’s always space for the improvement of communication in the workplace. Typically, communication in the workplace is a process where everyone needs to work on their communication skills, both employees and managers alike.
So, here are a couple of easy ways that will help you improve employee communication in the workplace.
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Build trust with employees
Trust can have a direct impact on how employees perform at work. It can also improve communication. To improve trust, you have to show genuine interest in everything regarding your employees.
Be understanding and empathize with their challenges, and help them identify and overcome problems and roadblocks. Also, try to find other ways to gain their trust.
You will see, that if there is trust, communication will be much easier, and they won’t have any problems coming to you with their issues because they know that you will always help them find a solution.
Listen to your employees
This tip is directly connected with the previous one. To build trust with your employees, you need to learn to actively listen to them. Active listening is also the key to effective communication. It’s important to listen to what the other person is saying, just as it’s important to get your message across.
Active listening is a skill that needs to be honed. To become an active listener, you need to pay undivided attention to what the other person is saying, use your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged, and respond appropriately without judgment.
Learn employee communication styles
The other very important thing that you need to consider when trying to improve employee communication is employee communication styles. Not everyone likes the same ways of communication. Some employees will prefer messaging, others will prefer face-to-face communication.
If you aim to improve employee communication in the workplace, you need to find out how your employees like to communicate and what tools they prefer to use to facilitate business communication.
By doing this, you’re once again showing your employees that you’re interested in creating an inclusive workplace where trust and open communication are of the utmost importance.
Choose the right communication channels and tools
Once you learn your employees’ preferred communication styles, it will be easier for you to find the right communication channels and tools that will improve employee communication.
Many companies have various communication channels and tools because different situations require different communication modes.
For example, you won’t use a team group chat to announce role changes or to ask for a leave of absence. Don’t use communication platforms such as Slack or Basecamp to make big decisions. Big decisions need to be made when everyone is present, which is not always the case with Slack or Basecamp.
On the other hand, communication apps and platforms, are great for project management and collaboration – for assigning tasks, following their progress, and making deadlines. They are also great for either one-to-one messages or team chats and work-related discussions.
If you’re looking for an app that can increase employee productivity and keep you connected with your entire workforce, you can find out more here about one such app.
Give and accept feedback
For open communication, feedback is really important. Both giving and seeking out constructive feedback can truly improve communication in the workplace. When giving feedback, you need to be thoughtful and considerate because constantly giving negative or aggressive feedback can destroy both your relationship and communication with employees.
Instead, find creative and considerate ways to give and seek out feedback. Once you give your feedback, give the other person an opportunity to respond and share their thoughts and opinions. Seeking out and accepting feedback can significantly increase trust and improve communication.
Have regular meetings
Having regular meetings, both one-on-one and team meetings can help you create an environment where employees can open up about pretty much anything. Regular meetings are also a great way to keep in touch with everything that’s going on in the company and with your employees.
A great way to foster open and transparent communication is by scheduling weekly team meetings, and also weekly one-on-one meetings. To more you talk together, the more trust you build both within a team and between each team member and the manager.
Improving employee communication in the workplace is not all that complicated. You just need to dedicate a bit of your time to your employees, to learn things about them and, in that way, gain their trust. It’s much easier working in a company that fosters transparency and trust.
Not to mention, all the benefits that you can gain from effective employee communication in the workplace.