One of the greatest misconceptions about workers is that they are generally motivated to work because of the benefits package. Sure, having free gym membership, a good health plan, and even free transportation can make an employee stick around but it doesn’t mean that the worker is fully engaged with his job. Interestingly, a recent survey reveals how employees value positive communication in the workplace more than other perks.
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The survey commissioned by an internal feedback system vendor showed that 81 percent of 1,000 surveyed workers would rather work for a company that values open, honest communication than another that offers perks like free gym membership and free food.
Curiously, the younger generation of workers value positive communication in the workplace than the older generation. In the same survey, 84 percent of Millennials said they would rather be in a firm where there is an open communication policy compared to just 77 percent of baby boomers.
Which raises this question—what is with positive communication in the workplace that workers appreciate it more than the perks of the job? One can take a look at the many benefits of good, open communication in the office as:
1. It increases employee morale
Employees are more at ease when they work in an environment where open communication is the norm. They would love working for a company where anyone in the organization can speak to the head honcho. They appreciate it when their supervisors and bosses are good communicators who are able to relay feedback without sounding negative or degrading.
When the leaders take the lead in the communication process, employees will see that their company is serious in engaging its workforce. They’ll feel more appreciated, which in turn boosts their morale.
Seriously, why wouldn’t you pass up on the opportunity to work in a company where your voice is heard and your feedback is appreciated?
2. It promotes team building
When there is effective communication in the office, it becomes easier for managers and employees to build highly efficient teams. It facilitates healthy discussion about work performance. Moreover, a culture of professionalism pervades in the workplace and where office gossips and conflicts are unheard of.
Working in a company where there is open communication means employees are more likely to trust each other. They will also value feedback coming from their supervisors and not view them in a negative way.
Moreover, positive communication in the workplace reduces unnecessary competition within the units and allows the employees to work together harmoniously.
The result is a team where members love to work with each other, and who will push each other to achieve unit and even corporate objectives.
3. It motivates employees
When there’s open communication in the office, workers feel more comfortable with their relationships with their supervisors and colleagues. They are thus more motivated to work better because of the good working relationships they have with the people surrounding them at work. They’ll be more relaxed at work knowing that their co-workers not only can be trusted; but also do look out after their welfare.
4. It makes working more fun
Open communication in the office not only improves morale, motivates employees, and promotes team building. It also makes working more fun and enjoyable for every single individual in the office; as day-to-day activities will seem less stressful. Employees will actually look forward to going to the office when they enjoy being with the company of their co-workers.
There’s no denying that communication in the workplace can have a great impact on the working relationships of workers, which can hasten the achievement of corporate objectives.
