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Workplace communication during times of crisis

A famous saying by George Bernard Shaw goes: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” This alludes to one of the biggest mistakes people make when communicating or not communicating. 

With work colleagues sometimes being the people you spend the most time with, it’s important to ensure that your communication at work is ideal especially during times of crisis. 

We spoke to Johnco Van der Linde from Let’s Talk Psychologists to find out what tips they have for effective communication in the workplace …

Communicating with superiors

  • Be aware of the tone of voice and the manner in which you are trying to convey a message. Stay calm and open for suggestions or comments. 
  • Be clear and precise
  • Get to know your superior. Most of us tend to think of our superiors as unapproachable, faultless, or scary people. But your superior is a person, too. 
  • Ask for, and give feedback. 
  • Be aware of your body language, people pick up easily on non-verbal communication.  
  • Lastly, just communicate and be transparent. 

The role of employers

If there’s one thing we all know for sure, it’s that change is constant. It isn’t always easy, but keeping employees involved, informed, and empowered throughout the process makes a big difference.

As an employer, communicate effectively during turbulent times by:

  • Being coherent and genuine when talking to employees about change.
  • Explaining what the benefits of the changes would be and what employees can expect. 
  • Setting clear expectations. Employees will feel reassured and will be quicker to get on board when you paint a clear picture of exactly what’s going to happen and when. 

– Johnco Van der Linde is a Psychological Counselor at Let’s Talk Psychologists. Since its inception in 2014, Let’s Talk has aimed to provide quality psychological services to the Namibian population. The organisation now has offices in Rehoboth and Okahandja to assist clients who are not able to travel to Windhoek on a regular basis.

 

 

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