Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace
Unspoken Messages can be Critical to Workplace Communication
Mar 27, 2009
Communication is the key to success in the workplace. Communication occurs with vendors and customers. However, the most important communication takes place with fellow workers. Employees should keep remember that it is more than just the spoken word that is communicated with co-workers. In fact, it can be the non-spoken signals that speak volumes in the workplace.
Eye Contact
Employees need to give fellow workers the respect they deserve. By looking someone in the eye, the speaker feels as though the message is being carried through to the recipient. Eye contact promotes understanding and honesty. Often times, if someone does not look the other person in the eye, there may be a feeling of insecurity or dishonesty.
Posture
Slouching in the chair signifies a person who may not care about the message being sent. A sloppy posture says that the recipient may not be paying attention or may be purposely trying to distract the speaker. Leaning back in the chair or rocking back and forth shows boredom and a distinct lack of interest in the message. In contrast, sitting up straight and leaning in slightly tells the speaker you are interested in the communication that is occurring.
Office Appearance
Believe it or not, the state of an office also signals communication to co-workers. If a desk is messy and strewn with paperwork, a person glancing at the office may believe the occupant has a cluttered mind and is harried when it comes to work. Saving only the paperwork that will be needed in the future can cut down on the paperwork stack that many people experience. In addition, it is important to remember that only the things that are needed throughout the day need to be on the desktop itself. For example, a stapler, tape dispenser and pencil cup can be permanent fixtures on a desk. Correction fluid, sticky notes and extra notepads can be kept in a draw and pulled out only when needed. An uncluttered, clean desk communicates an organized and neat individual.
Time
Respecting the time of other workers is also a nonverbal form of communication. For those that attend meetings with co-workers, being on time is of utmost importance. Arriving on time shows respect for others’ time and contributions. Employees who are continually late for meetings and other appointments with co-workers signal that they may not respect their fellow employees’ time or jobs. For example, someone who is continually several minutes late for an 8 a.m. production meeting shows other employees that it is okay to arrive late and that the employee may not believe his or her time is as important as their time.
Nonverbal communication is critical to the success of any workplace. It starts from the moment an employee applies for a job and continues through the employment of that particular employee. Realizing the importance of nonverbal communication can promote teamwork, respect and efficiency in any workplace.
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