5 ways to improve workplace communication
Improving and maintaining the quality of communication in the workplace is key to continuing to succeed in the workplace, especially as it is likely that many people will continue work from home in at least a part-time capacity moving forward.
Working online is a vastly different experience to being in a physical office/workspace, and remote working means communication needs to be a focus for workers in all industries. If you’re looking to improve how you communicate with people in your workplace, then we’ve put together some tips for improving workplace communication.
We’ve also taken a look at how a business course can provide you with valuable communication skills that you can implement in the workplace.
How can you improve workplace communication?
- Take the opportunity to talk with colleagues.
- Personalise the way you communicate with colleagues.
- Demonstrate how you're acting on your colleagues' feedback.
- Provide constructive feedback, not criticism.
- Take notes.
Some of the things you can do to improve workplace communication include:
1. Take the opportunity to talk with colleagues.
In the age of remote working, it can be hard for employees to find time to talk to each other, so booking in time to talk with your colleagues is crucial – both about work topics, and non-work topics. While Zoom isn’t the same as standing around the watercooler, it’s still important to socialise!
2. Personalise the way you communicate with colleagues.
There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to communication. Some people prefer to communicate face-to-face, while others might be more inclined to chat over Slack or Zoom. Understanding how your colleagues prefer to communicate with you will mean that you’re able to work with them more effectively, breaking down any communication barriers that might have previously existed.
3. Demonstrate how you’re acting on your colleagues’ feedback.
It can be hard for colleagues to open up in the workplace if they don’t feel like they’re being heard, so demonstrating real action when they provide feedback on different issues is key. Once you’ve received a piece of feedback, working with your colleagues that provided it to create a plan will go a long way to proving that when they talk, you listen.
4. Provide constructive feedback, not criticism.
When speaking to your colleagues, it’s crucial that you provide constructive feedback, not just telling them that they’re doing things wrong. If you find yourself in a situation where your skill set means you can complete something to a higher standard than those around you, working with them to explain how you’d do something benefits everyone in the long run, and shows you’re there to help when needed.
5. Take notes.
While this one might seem obvious, taking notes in meetings can help you better understand what people are talking about when in meetings, as well as plan a course of action to follow up on their suggestions and feedback. It can be easy to forget what’s said in meetings when you’re in multiple meetings a day, which is why taking notes to refer back to when it’s time to act can help display your commitment to improving workplace communication!
What important skills can I learn from a business course?
If you’re looking for a smart way to improve workplace communication, then completing a business course may prove to be beneficial. A course like the BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business can provide you with a range of skills to help facilitate better workplace communication, in addition to other useful skills. You’ll learn things like:
- How to support personal wellbeing in the workplace
- How to hold robust planning sessions with relevant stakeholders
- How to collaborate successfully with those around you
These skills can contribute to your continued business success and are taught in a job-ready way. Once you’ve received your qualification, you can feel confident taking these skills to the workplace and implementing them in meaningful situations.
What are the benefits of obtaining a BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business?
If you’re on the fence about whether a BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business is right for you, then there are a range of benefits that are associated with completing a certificate III in business. These include:
- Learning and improving your collaboration, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Learning more about how to complete business administration tasks
- Learning how to apply learned skills in real-life workplace situations
- Learning how to ensure you’re being heard in workplace meetings and discussions
How long does it take to complete this course?
On average, the BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business takes 12-18 months to complete and is an entirely online course. This is ideal for someone that’s already working in the business world, as it means you’re able to work around your schedule, rather than needing to spend time travelling to and from a campus.
Want to learn how to improve workplace communication, or just looking to add to your skillset? Upskilled is the education provider for you. Upskilled delivers a range of nationally recognised qualifications in the world of business and beyond, so you can enact meaningful change in your workplace.
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