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Workplace Communication

Communication in the workplace is critical to establishing and maintaining great working relationships in organizations. Feedback is information that individuals receive about their behavior. Feedback can be used to promote effective communication.

The channels of communication are the means by which messages are transmitted.

• Verbal communication relies on spoken or written words to share information with others.
• Nonverbal communication is the sharing of information without using words to encode messages. This includes: Kinesics, facial and eye behavior, and paralanguage.

A manager’s role is to determine the best network to use for simple or complex communications. Informal communication results from interpersonal relationships developed in the workplace.

Cross-cultural communication can be challenging. Communication difficulties arise from differences in cultural values, languages, and points of view. Organizational personnel must be sensitive and competent in cross-cultural communication. Writing down the message, repeating it, listening to the entire message, asking questions using different words, and creating a relaxed atmosphere for communications are several techniques for improving cross cultural communication. Organizations must manage relationships with large numbers of external stakeholders, individuals, groups, and organizations that are interested in the organization’s actions and decisions. Effective communication with external stakeholders involves environmental assessments to enable managers to identify and make strategic decisions for their organizations.

It is a vital part of creating and maintaining a safe and efficient workplace environment.

How we interact with clients and staff will affect how well the organisation functions and how satisfying you find your job to be.

In this day and age ‘information explosion’ is a well known expression. In the health care setting it is no different. While the amount of information that is circulating can be daunting, the process is improved when:

• all staff develop good interpersonal skills, and
• routine workplace procedures are put into place.

Focus on the tone of your voice. How people perceive what you are saying can be impacted significantly by the tone of your voice. Think of how many ways you can say “yes” or “no”–you can express doubt, anger, indifference, or any range of emotions with either of these simple, short words. Try to keep an even and normal voice tone and volume. This will avoid any mixed messages and help people stay focused on your words and their meaning.

Avoid fidgeting when you speak. This will only draw attention away from what you have to say and reduce the impact of your message. Avoid excessive hand movements, playing with objects (such as a pen or a cup), constantly wringing your hands or frequent shuffling. To keep people focused on your message, try to remain relaxed, speak clearly and maintain eye contact.

Show interest. Try leaning forward slightly when listening to others. This shows interest in what the other person has to say and can be seen as a strong nonverbal cue indicating ‘straight talk.

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