7 Tips to Improve Workplace Communication

You’re only as good as your team and your team is only as good as their workplace communication.

This becomes even more challenging when 43% of American workers report spending at least some of their time working remotely. There are whole teams who have worked together for years but have never met in person.

Improving communication in the workplace takes innovation and dedication to make it efficient and effective.

Keep reading for 7 tips to improve workplace communication

More Meetings Doesn’t Mean More Productivity

Just because everyone is sitting in a boardroom together doesn’t mean they’re communicating. Many of the best teams are never in the same room together. They don’t squander their time commuting to and from meetings.

Companies make the mistake of having most of the communication between team members happen in the boardroom. In fact, some statistics suggest approximately $37 Billion is wasted in the US on pointless business meetings.

While meetings gather everyone in one place it also means nothing is getting done any place else. People have to clear their schedule and stop their day to attend which can stifle their productivity and creativity.

Employees get frustrated and overwhelmed by the amount of time spent in boardrooms. Every minute spent there is one less doing their jobs.

Some 59% of employees report meetings are the biggest hindrance to their productivity. Only 39% of work hours are actually spent performing their job description responsibilities.

Workplace Communication Tools

The right tools make doing the job right much easier. You need reliable networks, phone systems, and technology. It’s important to talk to an expert or research what systems and programs will best meet your company needs.

You’ll learn a lot as you find information and ask questions of the experts from different sites like this website. With the right tools, you can offer various forms of communication to your employees maximizing their productivity.

Cloud-based computing and databases

Storing documents on cloud-based systems like Google docs can allow employees to access files and resources from any location. This lets them be more productive and perform their jobs more efficiently.

Everyone is kept in the loop, has databases available and resources at their fingertips to make them successful in their goals and projects.

Video chats and conference calls

Sometimes email, messaging and group chats are not enough to meet everyone’s needs. You want to share more information than you wish to type and the option to explain yourself.

Conference calls are an effective way to vocally check in with others. They can promote team participation and collaboration when you:

• Have an agenda for the meeting sent out beforehand
• Keep to agenda with limited open time and end
• Define team and individual goals
• Encourage participation

Body language is a valuable and essential workplace communication skill. It can make you more likable, help you sell your point and demonstrate confidence and competence.

Production Software Share Information without Stealing Time

Production software is a great alternative to holding endless meetings. It can streamline your workplace communication and help employees become a stronger more productive team.

Everyone is able to communicate their needs. They can share accomplishments on each project while gaining information from the rest of team. This is done from anywhere with just the click of a few buttons.

Progress can be tracked through every stage of projects. Asana, Google Suite, and Slack are all great productivity platforms that help improve communication at work no matter where your team members are.

These programs enable your team to share documents, keep connected and report progress each day without having to gather for a meeting. There’s real-time communication rather than waiting for responses to emails or playing phone tag.

Questions can be answered, updates given and issues dealt with in real time.

Team Building Activities

Communication skills at work will improve as they’re used. Team building activities are a great way to help your team develop these skills and get to know each other.

There are many options available so it shouldn’t be hard to find an activity that will be a fit for your crew. Everything from sports activities, survival and wilderness outings, Escape Rooms and workshops can be found in most areas.

Some companies develop and run their own team building activities such as scavenger hunts, company nature hikes and friendly competitions to build unity, develop communication skills and create team strength.

For a Common Good

Service projects, charities and fundraisers they care about can bring a team together for a common good. Workplace communication can improve and flourish as your employees see the good they can accomplish as a team.

Many companies participate in service work together for charities like Habitat for Humanity. The employees build bonds and communication skills as they build a home for a family in need.

Social Gatherings and Sports Teams

It’s easier to get to know someone and feel at ease in a less formal setting. The more memories and fun times your team has together, the closer and more loyal they’ll feel to each other and the company.

Company picnics, softball teams and trips to the go-kart track may seem like just fun and games. It’s important to note a happy employee is a more productive employee. In fact, happy employees are 12%-20% more productive than dissatisfied employees.

There are many benefits of a sports program for your company. Playing sports together can deepen trust, develop communication skills and teach your employees how to collaborate under pressure.

If You Lead They Will Follow

The greatest force for strengthening a team’s workplace communication is their leader’s example. Management will make or break the focus on good communication.

It starts at the top and if management learns and implements good communication skills at work others will follow.

Check out other ways you can set the tone for your business by being proactive and adopting an agile methodology.