Effective Communication in the Workplace

Know the importance of effective communication in the workplace.

Additional details

Effective communication in the workplace is essential if the business is to achieve it goals and thrive. For the individual it can:

• help them understand the tasks they are being asked to do
• build confidence 
• help them become part of an effective team
• prevent conflict or misunderstandings

For the business it can:

• promote the reputation of the organisation
• bring in new and repeat business

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Describe key benefits of effective communication to the individual and to the organisation.

Know that different types of communication are used in different workplace situations.

Additional details

Different types of communication used in the workplace may include electronic messaging, formal written documentation, meetings, presentations etc. The way in which communication methods are used will depend on the formality of the message and the prospective reader e.g. colleague, customer, government department.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Describe some commonly-used types of workplace communication, oral and written.

• 2.2

  Identify some of the factors that influence the type of communication used (e.g. the level of formality needed).

Use appropriate forms of written communication.

Additional details

Learners should be able to use different forms of written communication. These can include preparing an email to a colleague to share informal information or drafting a letter to a customer to provide basic information.

This is indicative content. It is important that the learner gives examples that are relevant and meaningful to them.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Produce appropriately presented written documents in formats to meet different purposes and for different audiences.

Use appropriate forms of oral communication.

Additional details

Learners should check their end result for accuracy and meaning. They are also required to use different forms of oral communication e.g. taking part in a discussion, talking with customers, sharing information with another colleague.

This is indicative content. It is important that the tutor and learner select examples that are meaningful to the learner's situation.

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1

  Use appropriate forms of oral communication for different purposes, including:

  •contributing to workplace discussion with colleagues
  •interacting with customers