The Power of Good Communication in the Workplace

UPDATED (July 2024).

Good communication is an important skill in any environment with human interactions. However, when it comes to communication in the workplace, good communication is an integral element to business success.

In the workplace, good communication isn’t just about mitigating conflict (although that is an important benefit of communicating effectively). Good communication is also an important factor in client relationships, profitability, team effectiveness, and employee engagement.

 

 

4 Powerful Benefits of Great Workplace Communication

 

1. Good Communication Mitigates Conflict

One of the times an organization is most likely to seek communication training is when there’s clear tension or conflict in the workplace. Regardless of the conflict, communication is usually an underlying factor.

Conflict typically comes down to:

Misunderstanding/feeling misunderstood. Even when someone feels like they are communicating well, if the person to whom they’re speaking has a different communication pattern then there may be a misunderstanding. With communication tools such as identifying communication patterns and making small communication adjustments, new information can be dispensed in a way that is easy and clear to understand, and the listener can better communicate their understanding.

Not understanding how others communicate. Miscommunication also comes down to communication patterns. When someone hasn’t undergone an individual or team communication program, they default to presenting information using their own communication pattern instead of considering the communication pattern of the receiver.

Someone feeling their emotional needs is not being met or are being disregarded. If an employee feels disrespected, taken advantage of, or disregarded, then it may lead to tension or conflict. A better-communicating team lays the groundwork for expressing and understanding needs, which also increases employee engagement and performance.

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2. Good Communication Increases Employee Engagement

Communicating is more than just talking. It’s about connecting with people. One of the most powerful benefits of better communication in the workplace is more engaged employees. Employees are more engaged in their work and can better align with company objectives and goals when a culture of good communication is established in a team or workplace.

Communication can improve employee engagement in the following ways:

• Gives you tools to better understand the needs and goals of your employees.
• Allows you to better understand what motivates and fulfills the employee.
• Better understanding of employees’ talents and skills that may otherwise go unnoticed.
• Ability to cultivate talents and skills in a way that develops them in line with company goals.
• Improved connection between co-workers for a more positive and satisfying work environment.
• Better relationship with managers and leaders

 

3. Good Communication Creates Better Client Relationships

This one is a biggie if you have client-facing employees since client interactions are usually the difference between a satisfied customer and a disgruntled one. When your employees are trained to communicate more effectively and to connect with others they can better:

• Mitigate and resolve conflict
• Understand needs
• Help the customer feel understood
• Present new information in a way in which the client will be more receptive

 

4. Good Communication Results in a More Productive & Talented Workforce

Employee engagement is a significant factor in the productivity of a workforce. But besides contributing to increased employee engagement, communication skills can also help foster a more productive and talented workforce in many other ways:

Understanding team talents & skills. In a company culture focused on connecting with others, managers better understand the talents and skills of their workforce. Some communication patterns aren’t forthcoming with their talents and skills, or express them in ways a fast-paced or high-level-thinking communicator won’t naturally notice. Mastering the identification of communication patterns empowers a leader to better understand the skills and talents of their team.

Achieving more buy-in. With the right communication tools, a leader can influence initiative buy-in from their team.

Innovation and creative thought. A workplace that communicates more effectively establishes a “safe” place for people to think creatively and express their ideas. It helps employees feel more comfortable taking ownership for challenges and projects, and typically results in more creative brainstorming or problem-solving initiatives.

More strategic team building. Understanding communication patterns gives a leader more information about their employees, and often information they would have otherwise overlooked. This powerful insight lets the leader make more strategic decisions on delegation, employee development, team development, and strategic initiatives to drive business success.

 

 

 

How can remote teams improve communication?

To enhance communication among remote teams, start by establishing clear expectations and guidelines for interaction. Regular video meetings can foster a sense of connection and ensure everyone is on the same page. Encourage open channels for feedback and collaboration, making use of various communication platforms. Building a strong team culture, even virtually, can also contribute significantly to improving interactions and fostering a more cohesive team environment.

 

What are the latest digital tools and platforms facilitating better workplace communication?

Several digital tools have emerged to support better workplace communication. Slack offers real-time messaging and integrates with various other tools. Microsoft Teams combines chat, video conferencing, and file sharing in one platform. Zoom is widely used for video meetings and webinars. Asana and Trello help with project management and team collaboration, allowing for task assignment and progress tracking. Tools like Miro provide virtual whiteboards, enhancing brainstorming and planning sessions.

 

How can leaders measure and assess the effectiveness of their communication strategies?

Leaders can measure communication effectiveness by soliciting regular feedback through surveys and direct conversations. Analyzing engagement metrics, such as participation in meetings and response times to messages, can provide insights. Monitoring the outcomes of team projects and their alignment with communicated goals also helps in assessing effectiveness. Regularly reviewing these metrics and adjusting strategies based on feedback ensures continuous improvement in communication practices.

 

 

What’s the Bottom Line?

The bottom line is that good communication isn’t just about being able to more accurately and concisely present information and ideas. It’s also not just about mitigating conflict or creating a more positive team environment. Communication is integral to sales, client relationships, team development, company culture, employee engagement and buy-in, and innovative thought.

Get Started

Are you ready to bring good communication to your workplace? Leadership Choice’s award-winning Connecting With People program can help. This business communication training workshop can bring positive communication mindsets and strategies to your company. Elevating the way your employees communicate can not only increase productivity, but also increase profitability and employee engagement.

Learn more about this communication workshop by clicking “learn more” below, or contact us for more information about how our experts can bring the power of good communication to your workplace.

 

About the Author:

Pat Bosworth

Founder and CEO Patrick effectively coaches leaders at all levels and across a number of industries with a pragmatic, consultative approach. Previously, he was vice president with Right Management and held other senior OD and development positions in manufacturing and the professional services Industries. He holds an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Lamar University.