Workplace values, like communication, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of communication and 3 ways you can practice communication at your office.
What is communication?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, communication refers to “the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other medium.” Another definition attributes confidence to “the successful conveying or sharing of ideas and feelings”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, communication can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use communication as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice communication at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of communication at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice communication through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing communication within your own office space.
Listen attentively
Listening attentively to your colleagues is one of the first steps you can take to practice communication at the workplace.
Whenever a topic on communication is discussed, individuals tend to focus on what they should say and how they should say it. However, it’s of utmost importance that one realises the value of listening when communicating with others.
Listening is an active process. It requires one party to attentively acknowledge what the other party is actually saying. Avoid multi-tasking during conversations. Listen to the non-verbal communication signals the other person may be giving off.
As Thomas Edison once said, “We have but two ears and one mouth so that we may listen twice as much as we speak”.
And so, listen attentively to your colleagues. That’s one way to practice the workplace value of communication.
Learn your colleagues' preferred communication channels
One can practice communication at the workplace simply by learning their colleagues’ preferred communication channels too!
There are some of us who prefer to communicate over text messages. Then there are some others who would prefer to speak over a phone call. Others may prefer a face to face meeting instead.
Different types of mediums and channels allow people to absorb and retain information differently. As such, invest the effort to learn your colleagues’ preferred communication channels.
Some people tend to be quieter during large group meetings. Others tend to be more productive and vocal when they have their friends around. Identify which situation allows your colleagues to feel more comfortable and speak to them in such settings. This will allow room for effective communication to take place.
Seek out feedback regularly
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of communication at your office is by seeking out feedback regularly.
Oftentimes, we assume that whatever we’ve communicated has been received on the other end just the same. It’s important to realise that misunderstandings and miscommunication can happen.
Take it in stride and learn not to make a huge fuss over such minor problems. Nevertheless, invest the effort to seek out feedback regularly. Check in with your colleagues if they have indeed understood your message correctly.
Ask them for advice or suggestions on how you could improve your communication methods. Reflect and assess if alternative communication channels may work better for you and your team.
The right mindset is key. Take active steps to seek out feedback from your colleagues. You’d be practicing the workplace value of communication in no time!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of communication. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice communication at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
