Effectively communicating in the workplace

(Image credit: Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels) 

Being an effective communicator in the workplace comes naturally for most leaders.

For others, their actions – or lack of actions – can be detrimental to their employees, not to mention their mental health and well-being.

We have all heard ``I am not sure you understand . . . Let me explain it to you in a different way. . . Sorry if I wasn't clear . . .`` or something to that effect.

You may have a new policy, mandatory health and safety training or a labour relations issue that got the attention of the media. The global pandemic certainly altered the workplace landscape and internal communications in so many ways.

Whether the news is good or bad, communicating internally to staff or externally to clients, customers and the public are critical to an organization's bottom line.

Some leaders of smaller companies wear many hats and are working hard to keep the lights on. 

Focusing on the needs and wants of staff gets pushed aside. Employee morale and retention levels decline. 

Communications – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.

– Paul J. Meyer

In better functioning workplaces, employees have a clear understanding of their company's mission, vision and purpose and know how their work contributes to the big picture. 

• Employee engagement is at an all time high, and actions are implemented based on feedback.

• Internal communications get the same attention as external communications including prioritizing  measurement. 

• Employees trust and respect their leaders, whether they are the CEO or a direct manager or supervisor. 

• Employees feel valued and receive recognition for their contributions and positive impacts. 

• Communications are clear and concise, honest, persuasive, and well received.

• One-on-one and team meetings happen regularly, and people feel comfortable bringing their true perspectives to the dialogue.

• Leaders are empathetic, are good listeners and communicate with heart, particularly when the going gets tough and a difficult conversation needs to happen. 

• Messages are written or delivered as appropriate with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.

• Communications are timely, multiple platforms are used as are opportunities for two-way communication, taking into consideration remote work and varying shifts. 

• Managers have access to the right tools and resources to communicate most effectively to their teams.

• Remote workers feel engaged and connected and have an improved work-life harmony.

• Employees have access to an integrated web platform to get information, give feedback or ask questions, learn and to engage with others anytime, anywhere or from any place.

• Modernized systems capture and analyze workforce measurements so that business improvements can be made that lead to positive outcomes for individuals, teams and the company at large.

In many ways, effective communication begins with mutual respect, communication that inspires, encourages others to do their best.

– Zig Ziglar

As leaders of a small, medium or large organization, so much needs to be taken into consideration to ensure messages are understood. 

There are many techniques that leaders can use to enhance communication and make better connections with their employees, business partners, customers and the public.

Employees also have an important role to play in building a positive workplace culture and having positive exchanges of information. Employees often look up to their direct reports as role models and mentors. 

Internal communication is a key driver of employee engagement and a factor to determine whether employees stay committed, connected, satisfied and inspired in their job.

Inspiring employers ensure workplace culture and employee engagement strategies are part of their overarching strategic business plan. 

Heart-centred communication is a powerful thing as referenced in this Forbes article. Heart-centered communication involves the recognition that our humanness is a part of every communication, and that any communication that is less than caring, kind, clear, and deliberate can easily result in misunderstanding, misdirection, confusion and upset. It is less of a skill and more of an intention to care about the state a person is in when communicating as well as the experience of the person receiving the communication. This always includes yourself, not just the other person. Thus, heart-centered communication begins with self-awareness. 

So, speak from the heart, adopt a “human first” philosophy, let the communications flow and keep your employees in the know!