What is workplace communication and how is it different to any other form of communication? More importantly, what is proper workplace communication?
Communication is a form of interaction between human beings and workplace communication is this interaction when it takes place in a business environment. Proper workplace communication, therefore, is when we communicate effectively in a business environment by following certain guidelines that are applicable in these circumstances.
Respect is one of the most neglected of human virtues and this is no less true in the quest for proper workplace communication. All too often employers and colleagues forget that everyone else in the workplace are human beings and that they deserve a certain degree of respect, regardless of whether they are above or beneath you on the corporate ladder. Without respect, communication becomes distorted and this in turn creates a horrible chain reaction which affects production negatively. It is all too easy to be a part of a misunderstanding with your colleague, and when you forget to be respectful it is readily apparent and the other person tends not to notice that you didn’t intend it. Thus it is important to have a conscious mindset that is set on being respectful to everyone at all times.
Talking formally to colleagues is also a necessity in the workplace. Once the formalities are abolished it makes way for gossip and personal relations which are a serious deterrent to business functioning and a doorway to poor morale. It is therefore critical that we remain formal in our conversation and interactions in the workplace, thereby avoiding the unnecessary hardships which accompany gossip and privacy being infringed upon within the workplace. This goes hand in hand with being respectful toward your colleagues, as respect naturally leads you to speak in the best manner you are accustomed to.
Gesturing inappropriately is something that should be avoided at all costs. This includes, but is not limited to, obnoxious or vulgar laughing, winking and ambiguous hand gestures. Many situations call for people of a variety of cultures and backgrounds to come together in a business environment, which is often quite intimate, and any gesturing may be misinterpreted by someone and seen to be inappropriate. Thus it is best to avoid these habits altogether and ensure that these misunderstandings do not occur. The worst situation in which this would be a problem is when you have clients from a different part of the world and someone gestures in habit, not meaning anything by it, but it is misunderstood by the client due to their culture. The company may end up losing money or at the very least the client may leave your presence with an unpleasant and obscured impression of you and your workforce.
All of these factors are equally important to consider even when the communication is done in writing or telephonically. Respect and formality is very clearly expressed in writing and in the spoken word, and there are many ways to gesture without using your hands. Thus you should always remain conscious of this in the workplace, even when you are not communicating face to face.
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