This is our 3rd installment in our blog series on Resilience in the workplace.
Have you ever worked in an environment where you and your co-workers had a feeling something bad was going to happen? You hadn’t heard anything, but that was part of the problem. No one was saying anything, or the messaging was so cryptic that everyone’s imagination ran wild. Many of us have been in that position. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence when a business fails to teach proper communication skills to employees. Or practice proper communication. The result is often negative rumors that spiral, escalating anxiety levels, depression, and higher rates of employee turnover.
Proper communication skills are essential to employee resilience because it breeds positive emotions rather than negative ones. Knowing how to communicate clearly and listen intently can help to quell problems before they start.
Calm, transparent communication is the foundation of trust. Creating an environment where ideas can be shared without fear is the cornerstone of team building. Some conversations are more difficult than others; but, if communicated with sensitivity and grace, difficult conversations can be made with a calm confidence that fosters respect from others. Effective communication is a two-way street- the sharing of information, and the active listening that supports the speaker. This ability forms the basis of a healthy company culture.
If open communication is practiced in a business, it will allow for the timely sharing of information across departments. Potential risks can be addressed before they morph into an all-out crisis. Responses made without fear of retaliation serve as a positive measure of satisfaction and can lower the stress levels of the workers. The courage to communicate also allows employees to be more productive because they feel secure and are not distracted by what may or may not be occurring elsewhere within the business. Proper communication builds trust, cooperation and can improve the overall culture of the company.
On an employee level, if they are taught proper communication skills, their interpersonal working relationships will flourish. This will support a positive environment where people are heard and can share feelings and ideas effectively.
