Today, we're more connected with our co-workers than ever before! Whether it's a quick "hi" in the morning, a virtual coffee chat with a remote colleague, or even sharing a funny cat gif, these little interactions make all the difference in building strong relationships in the workplace.

Of course, effective communication in the workplace goes beyond just casual chit-chat. It's about knowing when and how to communicate about work in a way that reduces misunderstandings, boosts team morale, and fosters collaboration and trust. Teams that excel at workplace communication are better equipped to handle any challenge that comes their way.

The good news is that with some time and effort, anyone can improve their communication skills on the job.

Communication skills in the workplace, a definition 

Workplace communication is all about connecting with your colleagues and making sure you're on the same page when it comes to work stuff. Whether you're talking about individual tasks, sharing project updates, or giving feedback to your teammates, clear communication is the name of the game.

But don't worry, workplace communication can be super fun! You can chat face-to-face with your colleagues, write hilarious emails, or even hop on a video call and show off your best dance moves. Plus, you can do it in real time or take your time to craft the perfect message that will make your colleagues smile.

Here are just a few examples of the types of workplace communication you can look forward to: 

• High-energy team meetings
• One-on-one feedback sessions that leave you feeling motivated and inspired
• Receiving exciting news that will boost your day
• Collaborating on cool projects with people from all across the company
• Nonverbal communication that speaks volumes.

So go ahead and let your workplace communication skills shine! With a little creativity and a lot of positivity, you'll be a communication superstar in no time.

Why are communication skills important in the workplace? 

Communication is key when it comes to expressing your ideas and getting to know your co-workers on a personal level. And let's be real, who doesn't love making new work friends?

But the benefits of great communication skills go beyond just socialising. They're essential for collaborating effectively, building strong professional relationships, and boosting your value at your company. Plus, mastering these skills can help you manage projects like a pro, solve problems like a champ, and even climb the corporate ladder faster. That's why employers are always on the lookout for candidates with excellent communication skills. When you can communicate clearly and understand your colleagues, you're set up for success in any workplace.

Excellent communication skills are essential in creating positive relationships with customers and clients. When companies communicate effectively with their customers, they build trust and loyalty, which helps to retain their business. Good communication also keeps customers informed about what's happening in the company, making them feel more connected and valued.

In the workplace, good communication leads to increased productivity. When everyone is on the same page, tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Communication is also crucial in problem-solving because it allows issues to be resolved quickly and prevents them from escalating. Encouraging open communication between team members helps to create a positive work environment, breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration. This, in turn, leads to better decision-making and a healthy company culture.

Good communication doesn't just benefit the company, but also the employees. When employees feel comfortable communicating their concerns and problems, it helps to alleviate stress levels and boosts their confidence in the workplace. This, in turn, leads to higher morale and a more motivated workforce.

Overall, good communication is essential for any successful business. It helps to build positive relationships with customers, creates a productive work environment, and boosts employee morale.

Communication skills examples:

Communication comes in many forms and in the workplace, there are so many different ways that you’ll communicate with your colleagues, superiors and clients. Some of the best examples are written below:

Written communication skills 

Whether you're crafting the perfect email to your boss, chatting to your co-workers in Slack, or hammering out a project plan in a Google Doc, your written communication skills are always on point.

Some examples of excellent written communication skills might include:

• Distilling a long, boring meeting into a concise, action-packed summary that gets everyone on the same page.
• Winning over clients with your witty, persuasive emails that leave no room for negotiation (except maybe on price).
• Crafting crystal-clear instructions for your team that make even the most complex workflows seem like a walk in the park.

Verbal communication skills

When you talk to someone out loud, you are using verbal communication skills! Whether you're in person or on a virtual meeting, there are many ways to use these skills effectively. Check out these fun examples:

• Sharing the results of your project with a stakeholder and wowing them with your presentation skills!
• Mediating a conflict between two team members and helping them reach a resolution that makes everyone happy.
• Giving an update on your workflow during a team meeting and getting everyone excited about the progress you're making!

There are also those non-verbal communication skills to consider, which are actually different from written communication skills. Nonverbal communication is a way of speaking without speaking, and it's all about body language and facial expressions. Here are some fun examples of nonverbal communication in the workplace:

• Showing excitement for your colleague's new idea by giving them a big thumbs up or high-five!
• When your manager says something that you agree with, show your enthusiasm by doing a happy dance or fist pump.
• If you want to make a good impression during an interview, try giving the hiring manager a warm and friendly smile, and maybe even a wink if you're feeling confident!



Communication skills development – how to improve them 

Effective communication is a critical aspect of any successful workplace. Whether you are interacting with clients, co-workers, or your superiors, your ability to clearly convey your message can make all the difference. 

Good communication skills can help to build stronger relationships, increase productivity, and prevent conflicts from escalating. In this guide, we will explore various ways to improve your workplace communication skills, from finding a mentor to identifying communication skills you admire. 

Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to improve your existing skills, these tips will help you communicate more effectively in any professional setting.

Find a Communication Yoda

Navigating the complex world of workplace communication can be like trying to find your way out of a maze blindfolded. That's why it's important to find a mentor who's been there, done that, and knows the ropes. A communication Yoda can give you invaluable feedback on your writing style, presentation skills, and even help you decipher corporate jargon.

Volunteer for Communication Bootcamp

Who says you can only learn communication skills in a professional setting? Join a community group or non-profit that resonates with you and explore opportunities to flex your communication muscles. Sign up for a marketing or communications role and watch your skills soar to new heights!

Learn from the Best

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and it's also a great way to learn! Did your boss send you an email that was clear and concise? Did a co-worker give you feedback that was actionable and helpful? Identify what you admire about their communication style and take notes. What words did they use? What was their tone? Soon, you'll be communicating like a pro!

If you want to learn how to improve communication skills in the workplace, talk to one of our talented WOWzers. We’ll talk you through how to zhuzh up your CV with the skills you’ve got, and we’ll talk you through how to improve those you’re working on. Give us a call today and see how we can help.