Within the translation industry there is little that holds more value than effective communication. However, it isn’t only vital in our industry.
Research has shown that a lack of effective communication within an organisation can “reduce productivity, lower moral and be the cause of other serious workplace issues”.
Positive communication helps to maintain constructive workplace relationships (both for employees and customers), motivates team members, builds trust, and reduces conflict.
But, simply understanding that good communication is a key aspect within every organisation doesn’t mean that it will happen organically, or if strong lines of communication already exist within the firm, that it doesn’t need encouraging and supporting from time to time.
If you would like to discover more about the value of effective workplace communication and how to inspire enhanced communication among your employees, read on…
The Benefits of Effective Workplace Communication
We have briefly looked at some of the benefits of effective workplace communication but the following points look at this in more detail.
• Collaboration – teams that communicate well spend more time in constructive communication and collaboration than those who are expending energy on disagreements, unspoken doubts, or misgivings. Trivial matters can get in the way of productivity if effective strategies are not in place to ensure communication channels remain open and active both up the corporate ladder, and down.
• Innovation – workplaces where employees feel encouraged to openly discuss ideas, possibilities and inspirations (without fear of disrespect or derision) are more innovative and inventive. Employees gain a sense of personal satisfaction from working in a team which inspires and motivates, in turn, they also motivate others.
• Equality and Diversity – in a workplace which promotes and upholds equality and diversity employees can expect to be listened to when they speak, understood, and respected for their views. This encourages an openness which inspires trust between peers, superiors and colleagues.
• Brand Growth – employees who are happy, satisfied and content within their job and organisation will promote their firm to others. This includes potential customers, new employees and stakeholders. The growth and reputation of a frim relies upon first-rate communication both externally and internally.
• Productivity – a team that works well together is productive. There is no time lost to petty squabbles, team members support and encourage each other while challenging and pushing boundaries in a safe environment.
Improving Workplace Communication
The benefits of effective workplace communication are easily calculable but improving communication channels within the workplace can take time and consistent effort.
Merely paying lip-service (excuse the pun) to good workplace communication isn’t enough to persuade employees that their voice will be heard, their opinions valued or to encourage productive, collaborative teams.
If you are hoping to improve communication within your firm, the framework below is a good guide:
• Educate your team – in order to ensure open communication between employees at every level it is necessary to engage training across the board. Ideally, this should be centred on learning positive communication skills, cultural awareness, and management and leadership training.
• Explain your expectations – if every individual has a different understanding or interpretation of the firm’s expectations with regard to communication, it is likely that there will be confusion about what is required. Managers should be made aware of targets, guidelines and goals and be able to communicate these to their teams so that the department, and firm, can work towards effective communication.
• Learn active listening skills – communication must be a two-way process. If your workforce are only concerned with having their voice heard, but are not prepared to listen to others, there will be a limit to how far communication can progress. Active listening highlights your respect for others’ views while also being an ideal opportunity to glean new information or knowledge. Respectful communication is key to development.
• Empathy, diversity and inclusion – firms that embrace and promote diversity and inclusion often outperform those that are homogenous, so training your workforce in these areas is a must in order to promote understanding, empathy and effective communication. Encourage diversity and inclusion activities, such as, employee resource groups, within your firm to show you promote these values.
At Creative Word, we understand the importance of positive communication and can assist with training your team to achieve your communication goals.
We are training experts in areas such as, communication, cultural awareness, management and leadership, and personal development, so if you would like to discuss your requirements, please contact us here, or call 44 (0)20 8408 2268.
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