It’s 2017, there are so many ways for humans to communicate. So how do we manage to get it so wrong?  Communication is a key factor when it comes to business, large or small. We need to ensure that we get it right. Communication works for those who work at it.

Check out these 5 ways to improve of your communication in your workplace.

Keep it up

Relying on annual reviews with your employees is a thing of the past.  We live in a 24/7 world now and things can change in an instant. Schedule monthly one on ones with each team member to be kept in the loop on how they are feeling and what they might need from you.

All you need is half an hour to a full hour each month and you’ll be surprised what your team will have to say that they wouldn’t normally bring up otherwise.

Encourage it

Your team are not robots. When communication in a workplace is not encouraged it can lead to communication anxiety where team mates just do’t feel they can communicate with each other.

Encourage your team to speak up about ideas or initiatives and express themselves.  Create a communication friendly environment where everyone has a voice. Set the example, encourage social interactions and keep your door open!

Respect it

Not everyone is confident to speak up about a situation in the workplace.  It is important to remember this. Often feedback is not shared because employees are not comfortable sharing their feelings openly with their managers or team mates.

Offering an anonymous way for your team to express themselves is a great way to ensure that you are kept in the loop.

Listen up

Everyone wants to be heard and when we feel like someone is listening, we’re more likely to share.  Give it a go.  In a one on one meeting, open up and allow your employees to do most of the talking.  Show concern when they are concerned and excitement when they are excited.  Reflect their emotions not only verbally but also with your facial expressions.

Don’t over do it

Yes, we live in the 24/7 world but we need to remember that our team does not work 24/7.  With all of the ways we can communicate, we need to be careful to know when to communicate.

You may be catching up on your workload over the weekend and it is important to keep in mind that not everyone is playing your game at the same time.  Can that e-mail wait until Monday?