Research Paper on Importance of Communication with Co-Workers

Communication is one of the factors that determine the success of an organization. Every workplace needs to have adequate communication which is more about understanding the intentions and emotions behind the message. Effective communication in a workplace is something the cannot be overlooked (Born, Agnes, and Kirsten, 62). Several factors can break or make the success of a company and communication is one of them. Apart from being able to convey the message clearly, the individual needs to listen in a way that he/she can gain the meaning of the information being passed and make the other individual feel understood and heard.

Ways of communicating better with co-workers

Even though several factors determine the success of an organization, effective communication with co-workers remains one of the most crucial elements and organizations should work towards making sure that their employees have the necessary skills and tools for effective communication. There several ways of communicating better with co-workers and they include:

Listening actively

Listening actively show that the listener is interested in what the other co-worker wants to say and respect them. Listening actively calls for some etiquettes which include not interrupting the other individual while they are speaking, giving a reply as soon as possible, and asking questions for clarity of any issue or problem (Dunstan and Ellen, 43). Importantly, the listener should not engage in another activity such as sending an email or text while the other co-worker is communication.

Speaking with discretion and talking face to face

Speaking with caution and talking face to face is another way to communicate effectively. The use of discretion in communication avoids any misunderstanding with the co-workers. On the other, hand, face to face communication with colleges builds trust and openness and enables the sender and receivers of the message to understand the other person's feelings and viewpoint (Fay, 224). Face to face communication also fixes problems and resolves disagreements, and it uses polite, bright, and friendly language.

Maintaining written and spoken communication short, direct, and simple

Maintaining written and spoken communication concise, straightforward, and simple is another way of improving communication with co-workers. Sometimes it is difficult for co-workers to read and listen to everything as they are also engaged in other activities. Making the message short and to the point ensures that the co-workers get the message and they act on it to ensure the success of the organization.

Considering technology etiquette and communication preference

People like communicating using different methods. There are some who would prefer to use texts, emails, or social media for instant messages. When interacting with co-workers, it is essential to select a communication method that the other individual prefers (Born, Agnes, and Kirsten, 68). Moreover, if a co-worker, does not respond to a phone call speedily but responds to an email or a text quickly, then the mode of communication should be email or text message.

Build and earn trust

In any workplace for effective communication to take place, there must be respect and trust among the co-workers. Acting consistently and with integrity builds trust with the colleagues (Dunstan and Ellen, 47). Furthermore, to earn trust with other employees, one must communicate clearly, confidentially, and collaboratively with his colleagues while showing them respects. Consequently, clear and concise communication allows the co-workers to understand and trust each other.

Offering constructive criticism

It is crucial when giving feedback to a co-worker to leave personal feeling out of the message to make sure that the workmate understands what is being communicated. Further, is an individual did work it is vital to five the positive reinforcement and give them tips for improvement without being bossy or mean (Fay, 219). This shows that the co-workers are appreciated, and they will feel like part of the organization, and their acts will be to ensure the success of the firm. Constrictive criticism also acts as a tool for motivation.

Watching the tone and body language

In a time where technology has taken over with tools like social media and emails as part of communication. It might be difficult to determine the tone when reading a post or a message. A line might be intended joke, but the reader misinterprets it to be rude or hostile. It is essential to make sure that when writing an email or a post not to be driven by emotions. Additionally, body language also plays a crucial part in communicating effectively. It is essential that the body language go hand in hand with the message to avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation.

Challenges of communicating with co-workers

Communication with co-workers is sometimes difficulty in a workplace setting. This is because different people have different facial expressions, intonations, and nuance that can influence the communication process. It is essential to ensure that written and verbal is delivered accurately and efficiently. Some challenges that emerge when communicating with employees include:

Fear

In a work setting that included workers who use English as a second language, they can have a fear of misinterpretation and mispronunciation with workers who are native speakers. Moreover, if a co-worker feels that he or she might be made fun of or judged of having grammatic errors in his speech or report, he or she might be reluctant to bring out his or her idea and this result to broken communication (Kosny et al., 446). The work environment should be conducive to allow employees not to be afraid of making mistakes.

Support

When employees feel that they are not being supported they are likely to be reluctant to communicate when they are in stressful situations. This in the long run will result in failure of the organization to succeed in its activities as lack of support demotivates employees.

Unrealistic standards

Some employers put unrealistic standards on their employees. Placing unrealistic standards for perfection to a new employee can compound the stress to the co-workers.

Limited opportunities

If a co-worker has limited opportunities to improve his or her skills, then he or she might become stagnant will be reluctant to communicate. It is vital to ensure all employees have equal opportunities to grow their careers and improve their skills.

Advantages of communicating with co-workersCommunication with co-workers in a workplace is important as it builds relationships, helps with diversity, helps in team building, and improving morale in the workplace (Kosny et al., 442). With sufficient communication, employee concerns are solved, and they will be able to works at their level best to achieve the organization's goals. Further, contact with co-workers whelps in building a relationship through which employees can voice out their grievances and help each other.

Conclusion

To sum up, communication with co-workers is important in a workplace setting to avoid any miscommunication and misinterpretation. Effective communication is more than just the words used and combines a set of four skill which are nonverbal communication, respectfully asserting yourself, managing stress at the moment, and engaged listening.

Work cited

Born, Marieke, Agnes Akkerman, and Kirsten Thommes. "Peer influence on protest participation: Communication and trust between co-workers as inhibitors or facilitators of mobilization." Social science research 56 (2016): 58-72.

Dunstan, Debra A., and Ellen MacEachen. "Bearing the brunt: co-workers experiences of work reintegration processes." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 23.1 (2013): 44-54.

Fay, Martha J. "Informal communication of co-workers: a thematic analysis of messages." Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal 6.3 (2011): 212-229.

Kosny, Agnieszka, et al. "Buddies in bad times? The role of co-workers after a work-related injury." Journal of occupational rehabilitation 23.3 (2013): 438-449.