Clear, effective communication is the key to a successful working environment. Communication breakdowns at work can lead to poor productivity, disengaged staff and potential lawsuits.
How well does your workplace communicate?
Take our quiz below to find out how your company rates when it comes to communicating:
How often do staff members socialise with each other?
- Rarely, we usually keep to ourselves
- Occasionally, during lunch or at work functions
- Often, we socialise outside of work and engage in open discussion
When you’re working with a team, how engaged is each team member?
- Not engaged at all
- Some team members are engaged, but some hardly participate
- Everyone is engaged and involved; all ideas or opinions are considered
Your team does not get along with one another, how do they deal with this?
- They sit quietly or only communicate with “allies”
- They would involve some people in solving the problem, but would not consider everyone’s opinion
- They would have an open discussion to solve the issue together in the best interest of the business
Does your company provide opportunities to offer feedback?
- There is no avenue for feedback
- Sometimes during meetings with my manager
- We are regularly encouraged to give feedback
Overall, your employees’ listening skills are…
- Poor, they often don’t seem to care what others are saying
- Okay, some employees are good listeners, but most are not
- Great, we actively respect each other
How did your company rate?
Mainly ticked box 1
Your workplace communication is severely lacking. You do not feel comfortable communicating with others about issues and there is little room for offering feedback or bringing forth new ideas.
Mainly ticked box 2
Your workplace communication is okay, but could use some improvement. You may feel comfortable discussing some matters with some people, but there are instances when you feel that your voice isn’t welcome at the table. When a conflict arises, it is often not dealt with in a direct, open manner.
Mainly ticked box 3
Your company gets a gold star in communication. Your upper-level management keeps an open-door policy and welcomes feedback. Everyone feels fairly comfortable with each other and people are not afraid to bring forth new ideas, opinions, or reservations. When a conflict arises within a team, it is openly discussed and sorted out.
Steps to create effective communication:
- Consider creating an organisational plan to improve your communication, consult a cross selection of staff in your business to assist with ideas on how to create a more accessible, open workplace
- Continue to encourage others to share their thoughts, so that everyone feels welcomed and valued
- Start engaging with people around you and lead the way
Communication is vital to the success of a business. If your company is struggling in this area, Business SA can help.
Click here to find out more about our Effective Workplace Communications course, or contact us on (08) 8300 0247 or email
[email protected] today to find out how we can help improve your company’s communication strategy with onsite training.