No matter what industry you find yourself in, communication is key. With the right skills and tools at your disposal, you can improve the level of communication in the workplace and rejoice in a domino effect of advantages. More specifically, better communication will help boost employee morale, improve productivity, mitigate conflict, stimulate collaboration, and improve relationships.
So, how can you improve communication in the workplace? If you’re looking to brush up on this very important skill, you have come to the right place. Here are six techniques and methods you should seriously consider. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Hold Regular Team Meetings
It never hurts to touch base with your team members and figure out what they need. During these sessions you can offer guidance and support. Plus, it ensures you iron out any kinks as soon as they arise. However, you should be wary of overscheduling these meetings as it can lead to an inefficient use of time and render them less productive. Depending on the scope of your work, we recommend you host team meetings at least once a week.
Create an Intranet Platform
An intranet site is a communication network solely designed for the employees of a company. Thanks to the Intranet, companies can create secure communications and employees can access internal or external resources, collaborate on projects, and exchange ideas. Not only does this enhance communication, but it also helps boost productivity.
State Preferred Communication Channels
Technology has provided us with the gift of choice. However, with so many different platforms and messaging services to choose from, it can often be difficult to get your message across. One way to get around this miscommunication is by asking everyone to state their preferred communication channel. For example, you can ask people to send a message via the Intranet before sending out an email.
Clearly Outline Project Responsibilities
When there are countless projects and deadlines to deal with, knowing who you need to communicate with about what topic can get seriously confusing. That’s why we recommend that you clearly outline project responsibilities from the get-go. Let people know who they should report to if they encounter any problems down the line.
Refrain From Making Assumptions
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to fostering great communication in the workplace is making an assumption. Never assume what someone else means. Make sure you clearly understand their directions or feedback. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification as there are no stupid questions. Clear and transparent communication can help avoid costly mistakes in the future.
If you decide to implement any of these methods, it’s worth holding a group meeting and ensuring everyone is on the same page. This will help clear up any confusion in regard to new ways of conducting tasks or procedures. Give your employees time to catch up with the new protocols and slowly but surely, you’ll notice a significant difference in the workplace.
