Workplace communication – is the process of exchanging ideas and information, both verbal

and non-verbal within the workplace.

Types of communication
Internal Vs. External Communication - Internal communication is any communication that occurs
inside of the workplace. This type of communication is achieved through any medium
(for example, email, phone, fax or face to face). External communication is any communication
between a member of your company and someone outside of your company. (When you talk to a
customer, send an email to a potential client or call a supplier about an order, you are doing external
communication.)
Formal Vs. Informal Communication - Types of communication in the workplace include formal or
informal communication. Formal communication is any communication that promotes the workplace
objective. Informal communication involves discussing topics that do not pertain to work. Informal
communication is harmless if it is appropriate and you only talk about non-work topics on your lunch
break. Informal communication can cause serious problems if it is inappropriate
(for example, rumors, gossip or crude jokes).
Upward Vs. Downward Communication - Upward communication is the questions, inquiries and
even complaints that employees direct toward their superiors. Downward communication is the
guidance and leadership management gives to employees. If a manager explains an assignment to a
subordinate, that is downward communication. If an employee asks her boss questions pertaining to
that assignment, that is upward communication, according to Communication Skills for Professionals.
Lateral Vs. Diagonal Communication
Lateral (or horizontal) communication is the messages exchanged between employees on the same
hierarchical level. Diagonal (or cross-wise) communication occurs when messages are exchanged
between employees of various different hierarchical levels.
Mastering Lateral/Horizontal and Diagonal Communication:
Knowing the Audience
Avoiding Unfamiliar Terms
Proper pronunciation
Coherence
Small Vs. Large Group Communication
Small group communication occurs when a meeting is held. This can be a staff meeting, a board meeting,
a sales meeting or any other type of meeting where a group of employees meets and exchanges messages.
Usually, one or two individuals lead the meeting and initiate the topics for discussion.
Communicating Without Words

Eye contact, facial expression and other forms nonverbal communication are signs that your boss or
another employee is pleased (or displeased) with your work. If your co-worker rolls her eyes at you,
you are probably going to feel like she is unhappy with you. On the other hand, if your boss smiles at
you after your presentation, you'll feel secure that you did a good job. Sometimes, a smile is worth a
thousand words, according to Workplace Communication.

Importance of good communication in workplace

 Innovation
 Growth
 Effective communication
 Team building
 Giving a voice to all

Examples of Bad Communication

Over-Inflated written communication

•bad communication in business often takes the form of writing that uses too many big words
and convoluted sentence structure to convey a simple point.

Lack of specific communications with customers

•bad business communication exists when companies have no mechanism in place to handle
special orders from its customers. Without communication from management to the sales and
customer service staff on how to handle such situations, and without good communication with
the customers involved, such a company is likely to lose customers.

Conveying important messages by Email

In 2006, Radio Shack laid off 400 workers by email with no notice. Here the mode of
xommunication was poorly choosen, as email is not appropriate for a lay off notice. In addition,
the notice itself was overwritten and hard to follow.

Bad communication via powerpoint

•PowerPoint presentations are prone to bad communication because of the nature of the medium.
It's so easy to create a PowerPoint that people end up using more slides than they need, packing
the slides with text so they can't be followed, and distracting the audience from what the
presenter is actually saying. In addition, it hinders the opportunitiestfor spontaneous conversation
about the point at hand, thus hampering the communication it was intended to foster.
SELFISH COMMUNICATION

Bad communication is its one-sidedness, as happens when people contact their business
associates only when they want a favor of some kind, such as when they're job hunting or need
some ideas.

LACK OF RUMOR CONTROL

In a volatile business environment, it's important to make sure that information about sensitive
subjects, such as layoffs, is communicated directly and clearly.

COMMUNICATIONS SENT IN ANGER

Example of bad communication occurred in 2001 at medical software company the Cerner
Corporation, where the CEO sent an angry email to the entire team berating staff members for
coming in late and leaving early and threatened to take revenge by taking away benefits. The
email was posted on the Internet, resulting in a huge drop in the company's stock price.

LACK OF CONSIDERATION AND FOLLOW-THROUGH

Bad business communication often occurs when one person fails to return telephone calls or
emails, and especially when he fails to say thank you for favors done or to report back when
expected to do so.

Top 10 Qualities and Skills Employers are Looking For

1. Communication Skills

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in many mediums: by email, verbally, with lists and
phone messages, on the phone, and with body language. Communication also includes listening skills
and the ability to follow directions and provide feedback.

2. Honesty

Employers want accurate and timely information regarding their business and their employees. Made a
mistake? Don’t cover it up, admit it, and learn not to do it again.

3. Technical Competency

Most positions require certain skills that are advertised on the Job Posting. If you are hired to perform
certain tasks then you should have the skills. Improving your skills along the way is also expected.
4. Work Ethic

Be at work on time, do what you were hired to do, meet targets and deadlines and work to the best of
your ability. What more could an employer ask?

5. Flexibility

Employers and their employees need to react quickly to changing business conditions. Employers need
employees who can change gears and adapt as required.

6. Determination and Persistence

Managers will give employees challenging goals but generally they are achievable. The key is to be able
to work hard and keep moving forward when you encounter obstacles.

7. Ability to Work in Harmony with Co-Workers

Employers and managers like to have people working with them and for them who can get along with
their colleagues and who can work with others effectively in different circumstances.

8. Eager and Willing to Add to Their Knowledge Base and Skills

As businesses change, there is often a need to find out new information, expand knowledge and explore
new ways of doing things. People with an interest in learning, and a willingness to pass it on to others,
become invaluable.

9. Problem-Solving Skills

Companies are looking for people who are motivated to take on challenges with minimal direction.
Employees should see when something needs to be done and react accordingly.

10. Loyalty

Employers want and need to be able to trust their employees to work professionally to meet the
employer’s best interests. Employers do not want to hire people who require close scrutiny or who
cannot be trusted to represent the company in public.