It's no secret that communication is vitally important for every single employee and manager within any workplace. However, the thing about communication is that it isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

As a manager, it's down to you to try and encourage that all the employees you take charge of are communicating as well as they can while they are at work. There are plenty of tips and things to consider when it comes to improving communication in the workplace. However, one of the best things you can do is to make sure you're setting the best example. 

If you're not totally sure how to do this but want to try, here are the best ways to set an example in communicating in the workplace.

Use an employee communications app

Employee communications apps are there for a reason. They are designed to ensure that all the vital communications, news and information that needs to be understood by your employees is being read and adhered to. With this in mind, it makes sense that you're going to want to make sure your employees use this method of communication as much as possible. 

One great way to encourage this is to show them just how useful these apps can be and what the benefits are. Providing them with an example of what they can do with the app and clearly communicating the proper uses of intranet or your employee comms app can increase adaption among your staff and makes sure everyone is informed. 

Respect your staff

You should never underestimate how important respect is, especially in the workplace. People who don’t feel respected, especially employees are much less likely to want to engage with their colleagues, their manager and work as a whole. 

It's important that you're always respectful towards your staff. The conversation that you may be having or message you need to get across to them could be seen as a negative one, but if you approach it in the right way, they are always going to feel that you respect them.

Discourage gossiping

Good communication is obviously great, but when it's used in the wrong way, it can be incredibly negative. This is especially true when you consider communication within and among employees. 

Communication, when used in a negative way, is most usually seen in the form of gossip. Gossip is rife within workplaces as it is easy to spread. It is vital that you, as a manager, don't encourage gossiping in any form. Not only does it look hugely unprofessional, but it can be harmful to the person who the gossip is aimed at, as well as your company’s reputation. 

Always listen

Communication is not just about talking; it is equally about listening. Listening is not always the easiest thing to do, especially if it is hard to hear or it isn't particularly something that you want to listen to. But as a manager, you really need to try. 

If you show your employees that you are really listening to them, their concerns and what they have to say, there is a good chance that they are going to feel valued and that in turn it is going to make them want to be more proactive in what they need to do on a daily basis. Not only that, but it will also show them that it is vitally important that they listen to other people in the workplace when they are talking. A vitally important skill to have, not only for your business but also for them as they progress through their career. 

Have fun

It can be hard to think of work as fun, but any workplace is not all about the work, it is also about the environment, the people and how they all fit together. It can sometimes seem that work is completely consumed with all the serious stuff, so as a manager you also need to remind your employees that it can be about fun too. 

Communication can be more light-hearted than you may realise, so if you have something fun and uplifting to share, make sure you do share it. Celebrate small successes. Not only will this encourage communication in the workplace, but it will also show your employees that it can be fun too! 

As you can see, there are plenty of ways that you can set a good example of how communication in the workplace should work. While we all have bad days, the thing about being a manager is about making sure that you are always setting an example for those who will then follow your lead.