Tools to Improve Communication in the Workplace


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Effective Communication Skills in the Workplace

Workplace communication impacts much more than just the employees. Communication has an impact on corporate level issues. One study found that barriers on communication cost an estimate $37 billion per year in lost productivity to corporations. Lack of communication can also increase employee turnover, which can increase the cost for training new employees. In fact, at the core of many large corporate problems is a lack of communication.

How can Technology Improve Workplace communication?

Technology can facilitate and communication. Here are our top 3 technology recommendations for the workplace.

1. VAM by Zinfanite- VAM is a small wearable necklace that helps send messages or receive calls with just voice commands. It is voice operated, so there will not be additional distractions because it does not have a screen. It is practical because even if someone has their hands occupied they can have the message read aloud and respond with a voice command. In addition, VAM is light weight at only 1 oz. You can read more about it by clicking here.

2. Slack- Slack is an app that can help out  of the office communication. It is a professional app that accommodates to business messaging. For example you can organize projects into different chats, video chat, send pdfs, etc. Best of all it's secure.

3. Corporate social media- Corporate social media can be a great way to share big news with employees. It works great for large businesses with many employees. Letting employees know about big changes can better help them understand their role in the business. They may feel more included and part of a team, which can in turn boost their work motivation.

Future Impact of Technology on Communication in the Workplace

Technology helps increase flexibility. For example, better communication with coworkers who may have different work schedules. Also, faster responses and alerts to crucial matters. However, all this may also have an impact on work and life balance. Some may feel like they are always working even on their days off. The incoming work force that is Gen Z value work-life balance and personal well-being the most in a Dynamic Signals survey. Therefore, work-life balance and tech may seem incompatible. You may now be wondering if using tech is still a good idea. Yes, but that is why there should be boundaries even when technology can now help us communicate 24/7. For example setting clear rules of what communication can be sent out of office hours. In fact, thats why these tools are particularly effective. VAM can be exclusive for work, slack is professional, so employees will not feel they are sharing personal information phone numbers to coworkers, and corporate social media will only be looked at by the employees who desire to do so.

Strategies for Improving Organizational Communication 

Using technology to communicate is a step in the right direction, but knowing how to communicate is another key factor for communication success.

One tool is the use of surveys. Companies can use surveys to evaluate and monitor the attitudes of employees towards workplace communication. Surveys that are anonymous can help the employee express their true attitude. The survey can have open ended questions for recommendations. The results can be evaluated to make connections between communication opinions, job performance, and even profit.

Another factor to keep in mind is team relationship. A healthy team will more likely communicate with one another. To help create a strong team consider team building exercises.  These activities can create team bonding, leading to a more cooperative company. For example exercises that involve talking about their job values can help workers relate to one another. You can find team building exercises here.

One problem many companies deal with is resistance to change by workers. But, effective communication can help individuals adopt new changes. Explaining to workers why changes are taking place can help them embrace change.If they know the importance of the change can can make connections to how everything works as a whole, plus its benefit to them, they are more likely to comply with the new changes. You should invite questions and give them enough information that they understand how the chnage and their job ties into business goals.