Effective, assertive, transparent and fluent communication is the key for organizations’ proper performance. When employees receive clear indications about their work, when reports of their projects' developments are available to them, when they are notified about changes within the company or just when they're opportunely informed about any aspect that may impact their work activity, they feel safe, compromised, respected and valued. And this without a doubt, influences their performance.
If, on the contrary, they see themselves working in environments where rumors, confusing information, assumptions, doubt, uncertainty and improvisation are commonplace, they feel fearful, insecure and exhausted. And that, in some cases, makes them evaluate the possibility of seeking other employment opportunities with better working conditions.
Why is good communication so important?
Because, when we communicate adequately, we create effective connections between bosses and employees, work teams, consumers, clients and suppliers.
All of this amounts to multiple benefits for the company, such as:
- Better professional relationships.
- Greater confidence.
- Greater compromise.
- Transparency.
- Better working environments.
- Greater collaboration.
- Clarity and understanding of the labor situation.
- Increased loyalty.
How to recognize whether communication is good or bad?
Oftentimes leaders rely on tools such as anonymous surveys, group dynamics and group exercises that allow them to determine the state of the company's communications. Then, they analyze the results and define clear strategies oriented towards the improvement of these interaction channels with employees.
Here, we will share some ideas that might be useful for improving communication, whether the team is working on-site or remotely.
- Share brief bulletins about the organization's achievements and future goals.
- Encourage communication between employees through the use of apps like Slack or Teams.
- Provide workers with training for any new online tool they will be using, so as to make them feel more confident.
- Create fun initiatives to know more about teammate's hobbies and talents.
- Schedule a time of the week to listen to employees and attend their personal and work-related worries.
These types of actions don’t need large investments, but rather the good will and organization of those who occupy leadership roles in companies. And, even if they seem simple, they can generate important changes in communication and create better work environments.
To conclude, I invite you to reflect about this quote of Benjamin E. Mays: “Honest communication is built on truth and integrity and respect for one another.”
