In the digital age, where texting, emailing, and phone calls are the norm, it’s easy to forget the importance of face-to-face communication. But when it comes to the workplace, nothing can replace the power of an in-person conversation.
New employees especially need clear and concise communication from their managers to be successful. Cezanne’s onboarding survey has shown that new hires who have regular face-to-face interactions feel more comfortable and confident in their new role.
When to Use Face-to-Face Communication
In business, effective communication is key to success. Whether you’re communicating with a colleague, client, or customer, face-to-face communication is often the best way to get your message across.
The workplace often demands immediate decisions and actions, which can be difficult to convey over email or text. If you need to deliver bad news or give feedback, it’s always best to do it in person. This way, you can gauge the reaction and have a conversation about the next steps.
Onboarding new team members is also best done in person. As per Cezanne’s survey, it found that 42% of new hires often feel isolated during their first few weeks on the job.
When you’re bringing someone new into the fold, it’s important to make them feel welcome and comfortable with regular check-ins and face-to-face meetings.
There are some disadvantages to face-to-face communication, like the time commitment required and the logistics of getting everyone in the same place. But when it comes to conveying important information or establishing relationships, there’s no substitute for an in-person conversation.
5 Benefits of Face-to-Face Communication in the Workplace
There’s a reason people have been using face-to-face communication for centuries, and it’s not just because it’s the oldest form of communication. It’s because there are benefits to communicating face-to-face that you can’t get with any other method. Here are five of them:
1. Boost morale
When you can see the people you’re working with, it’s easier to build relationships and trust. And when you have a good relationship with your team, you’re more likely to enjoy your work and be productive. Face-to-face communication is the best way to build rapport and keep morale high.
2. Facilitate better collaboration
There’s no better way to collaborate than in person. Brainstorming sessions are more productive when everyone is in the same room, and it’s easier to hash out details and come to a consensus when you can discuss things face to face.
3. Increase transparency
When you communicate face to face, there’s nowhere to hide. You can’t hide your body language or your emotions, which makes it harder to lie or withhold information. This transparency fosters a more open and honest working environment.
4. Make a connection
It’s easier to build trust and rapport when you can look someone in the eye and shake their hand. This personal connection is important for building strong relationships, both with your team and with your customers.
5. Improve communication
According to the survey, about half of the workers did not receive adequate information from their managers. When communication is clear and concise, it can help to reduce misunderstandings and confusion. Face-to-face communication is the best way to ensure that your message is being received loud and clear.
Tips for Effective Face-to-Face Communication in Workplace
If you want to get the most out of face-to-face communication, there are a few things you can do to make sure it’s effective. Here are some tips:
1. Schedule regular check-ins
It’s easy to get caught up in email chains and never actually talk to the people you work with. To make sure you’re staying connected, schedule regular check-ins with your team. This can be a weekly meeting or a quick catch-up chat over coffee.
2. Prepare for meetings
When you’re meeting with someone, it’s important to have a clear purpose for the meeting. Prepare ahead of time by making a list of topics you want to discuss. This will help you stay focused and make sure you cover everything you need to.
3. Put away distractions
It can be tempting to check your smartphone or answer emails when you’re in a meeting, but it’s important to resist the urge. When you’re talking to someone, give them your full attention. This shows that you respect them and are interested in what they have to say.
4. Listen more than you talk
If you want to have an effective conversation, you need to make sure you’re listening more than you’re talking. This way, you can understand the other person’s perspective and find common ground.
Conclusion
Technology has made communication in the workplace more efficient and effective. However, it is still important to remember that face-to-face communication is the most effective form of communication.
Personal interaction allows for the exchange of nonverbal cues and provides an opportunity to build relationships. In addition, face-to-face communication can help to resolve conflicts more effectively.