Description

Understanding workplace communication

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, virtual communication has become an integral part of corporate culture.

Around half of the Australian workforce is still working from home and transitioning to a hybrid or even fully remote workplace is becoming a reality for many companies. Therefore, effectively communicating in this new environment has become essential. From exchanging information and ideas to creating internal communications strategies, workplace communication is key to keeping businesses up and running. As organisations adjust to this ever-changing landscape, they must pay close attention to how they communicate virtually in order to maintain successful operations.

Effective communication within the workplace is essential to success. It boosts morale, increases productivity and engagement, encourages collaboration and cooperation among team members, and contributes to a positive work environment. Striving to be a better communicator can also have major benefits for managers, as it allows them to motivate their team more easily while minimising the potential for misunderstandings. Communication in the workplace creates tremendous short- and long-term advantages for both organisations and employees alike.

About this course

•  Training Provider: OHS.com.au
•  Location: Online
•  Course length: Varies average 20 minutes
•  Time: Self-paced
•  Certification / Accreditation: Certificate of Completion

Background – Common types of workplace communication
The success of communication rests upon choosing the appropriate channel for the given message. A knowledgeable communicator will be equipped with the expertise to effectively transmit the information in a manner that is well-received. Utilising the correct channel for the intended communication is essential for a successful outcome.

1 - Leadership Communication
Leaders frequently send one-way communications to their teams in order to inform, update, and inspire. These messages may include new company policies, changes of direction, and stories that motivate commitment.

2. Upward Communication
Managers (and team members) must often communicate with their superiors and other influential figures outside of their department. These communications, typically in the form of memos, emails, reports, or a standing meeting, must be taken as formal and respectful.

3. Verbal/ Written Updates
In order to ensure effective communication, a visual tracker or dashboard can be utilised to convey updates that often lack the necessary detail. This allows individuals to focus their verbal or written commentary on the most important aspects that require action or further involvement, such as surprises, obstacles, risks, and successes.

4. Informational Communication
Due to their formal nature and the need for a larger audience, presentations should be used as a tool to inform, influence and persuade. Taking into account the anxiety many feel when presenting publicly, it is important to strive for entertainment and insight that meets the standards of TED and other renowned series.

5. Internal communication plan
Holding meetings, regardless of size, is an integral component of a workplace’s internal
communication plan. Unfortunately, they are often misused and misunderstood. Effectively planned meetings can foster team collaboration and quickly disseminate pertinent information that may be distorted in other forms (e.g. email). To ensure success, meetings should be engaging and leave participants feeling empowered.

6. Customer communications
When interacting with customers, communication strategies should be well thought-out to meet their individual needs. Messages should be tailored in a way that is appropriate for the customer and produces a favourable impression of the company and product. Techniques such as one-on-one meetings, virtual meetings, verbal or written exchanges, and ad hoc interactions can all be employed.

7. Informal communication
Formal workplace communication is essential for the successful functioning of any organisation. Through emails, chats, and other interactions, one can make requests, seek information, provide support and guide colleagues. These communications are not only instrumental in achieving the organisation’s goals but also foster trust, unity and understanding amongst colleagues.

Course outline
OHS’s Communicate work-related training course is designed to equip you with the necessary toolsto communicate effectively and confidently in any context in a workplace environment. You will gainskills in active listening, the power of voice and tone, and the importance of non-verbal communication.

Plus, you will receive an in-depth understanding of different personality types to help you interact with people more effectively.

Learning Outcomes

•  Gain a deeper understanding of individual personality traits and communication   preferences with the help of our tailored profiling tool.
•  Develop proficiency in recognising others personality types and   communication    preferences, and adjust your own communication style   according to the requirements of the situation.

•  Become aware of the potential obstacles to effective communication and how to   overcome them.

•  Enhance your skills in terms of pitch, tone and speed when speaking. Master the   S.T.A.R.   technique to speak effectively in the moment. Understand the   importance of   body language and how to use and interpret it.
•  Enhance your active listening capabilities. Obtain valuable insights by asking   pertinent,   open-ended questions.
•  Become a communicator of excellence by using and applying practical     communication tools.