Training Tools
Communication in the Workplace
Ordering food at the drive-through.
Filling out a job application.
Glaring at someone who cut you off in the grocery line.
What do these situations have in common? They all involve communication.
Communication is something we often take for granted. But every time we interact with another human being, we’re using communication - whether it’s written, verbal (spoken), or non-verbal (unspoken) communication.
Slightly different from communicating in other settings, there are two crucial things to strive for in workplace communication, according to the article ‘Why Is Workplace Communication Important? And How to Improve It’:
Good communication in the workplace ensures employees have the information they need to perform well, builds a positive work environment, and eliminates inefficiencies.
Effective communication should accurately convey information while maintaining or improving human relationships.
Types of Communication in the Workplace
Written. This includes text messages, emails, instant message apps, forms, and many instructional/informative materials (like newsletters!) whether they appear in print or online.
Verbal. Workplace communication includes phone calls and in-person conversations with clients and coworkers.
Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions and physical cues to let someone know we’re engaged in communicating with them, as opposed to simply occupying the same room. It includes things like smiling in greeting, turning our body towards someone talking to us, or nodding to show we understand something.
Most jobs involve all three types of communication.
The good news about communication is that we can actively work on improving our communication skills.
Tips for improving individual communication skills
Pay attention to nonverbal cues including tone and body language - both your own and those of the person you’re interacting with. Adjust your own behavior accordingly.
Practice active listening. Pay attention both to the words and the intent of what the person is saying.
Rephrase and repeat back what you’ve understood to make sure that your understanding is correct.
Ask questions if you’re unclear. Making assumptions or jumping to conclusions might seem faster but they can backfire, leading to confusion, lost time and even negative feelings.
Participate in meetings. Come to meetings prepared and ready to contribute with relevant questions and suggestions.
Read all company emails, newsletters, and announcements.
For more effective communication, ask yourself these questions:
What is the goal?
Who needs to hear this?
How should I share this? (i.e. phone call, email, sign)
Company communication
In the workplace, effective communication depends not only on individual employees working to improve their communication skills but company-wide communication processes. This includes technological tools the company uses as well as communication protocols and in-person meetings. Some of these elements may be out of your control but you can participate by doing your best to follow the communication protocols that have been provided and also by giving constructive feedback (what’s working/what’s not working).
Effective communication leads to better work - and a better experience at work. Want to learn more? Read more:
10 Tips For Effective Communication In The Workplace
Why Is Workplace Communication Important? And How to Improve It
New Employee Spotlight
Cindy Funk
A self-described “jock,” Cindy Funk loves to play sports, including soccer and pickleball. The Asana Recovery HR Manager is also an avid traveler. After graduating from UC Irvine – with a degree in anthropology – she even lived and worked in Bali, Indonesia for two years.
After supporting multiple friends through their recovery, Cindy found her way to a job in the addiction recovery field. Cindy and her husband, Spencer, have a six-month-old daughter named Sofia and a pug named Frida. Food, traveling, and soccer are three things that make her happy.
Daniel Dunn
Daniel Dunn enjoys food, spending quality time with friends, and seeing people overcome obstacles and succeed. It’s one of the things that led the Behavioral Health Technician at Asana Recovery to a job in addiction recovery. “I find purpose in helping others,” he says.
Daniel has five sisters and is actually a twin. He loves spending time with his family, as well as going to concerts, cooking, helping others, exploring, and playing PlayStation. As part of his desire to pursue education and be more effective, he’s studying at Palo Verde Community College. He appreciates the warm welcome he’s received at Asana Recovery.
FYI: 401k Enrollment is still open
Here are step-by-step instructions for how to set up your Transamerica account for your 401k enrollment:
Upon eligibility, please visit: https://www.transamerica.com/portal/
-Click "Create An Account"
-Enter: Your name, Date of Birth, Etc...
-Create: Username and Password
-Setup: Secure Login Instructions: transamerica.com/portal/home
Trivia
Question: What year was the communication revolution set into motion with Alexander Graham Bell’s patent for the telephone?
Contact HR with your response for the chance to win a gift card!
Answer to last week’s trivia: Aretha Franklin first recorded her epic song, Respect, in 1965.
Last week’s winner was: Misty A