- Candidates
- Login
- Setup Account
- Search Tools
- Resources
- Employers
- Employers
- Setup Account
- Login
- Products
- Resources
Rachel Woolvett
September 22, 2022
Newsletter ArticleChecking Your Blind Spots – Effective Communication at Work
Whether you are working from home or in person, effective communication in the workplace will always be an important skill to have. Refresh yourself on what you are doing right and where you can improve when it comes to communicating with co-workers. You can do your part in creating and maintaining positive relationships and a positive environment within your workplace!
Utilize the Tools You Are Given
Improving your communication at work could be as simple as taking the time to evaluate what tools your work has provided you with. If you are working remotely, do you utilize apps like Microsoft Teams or Slack to chat with co-workers? Sometimes using a chat feature is more beneficial than an email since it allows for more authentic dialogue. Chats don’t have to just be for work related conversations. Make group chats with your team, share light-hearted news or updates. It is also good to ask yourself if a meeting or an email is appropriate. In some cases, a short meeting face-to-face can be much more effective than a long-worded email. So, make sure if you have access to video chats in your workplace, use them! In the end, this will only help you and your co-workers strengthen your relationships and improve your work environment.
Click here for 5 more communication tips for remote employees.
Always Be Clear and Specific
As much as it sounds like it’s common sense, it’s easy to slip into bad habits or get distracted when you are busy. Whether it’s sending a chat or email, making a request, or asking for feedback, always be sure that you read things over, are being clear in your message and being specific in what it is that you are communicating. Taking this extra time can actually save you time down the road by avoiding extra follow-up questions or further clarification.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
One of the best things you can do to make sure your communication skills at work are up to par is to check-in and ask! Don’t be afraid to reach out to your manager or other co-workers to connect regularly to check-in about your current tasks or performance. It is a great way to provide yourself with more direction and creates an opportunity to further develop your work relationships. If you are a manager, checking-in with your employees builds a better connection and will benefit you both. It allows for a consistent line of communication to voice any questions, concerns, challenges, or takeaways for both you and your employees.
Overall, communication is at the heart of every workplace, and it can be a huge factor in how smoothly things run, how positive an environment is, and how good working relationships are. Don’t be afraid to check in with your own communication skills every so often to make sure you are bringing your A game to work!
Resources Used for Research
https://writeforbusiness.com/etips/email-vs-chat-work
Link for 5 Communication Tips for Remote Employees
