21 min read 1st Dec 2025
Ask any professional what the most important skills in the workplace are, and most will say the same. A survey of over 2000 professionals confirmed it – communication and leadership top the list.
This blog breaks down why communication is essential in the workplace, not just as a soft skill, but as a measurable driver of performance.
You’ll learn how clear, consistent communication drives success, along with practical ways to apply these principles in your day-to-day work.
Key takeaways
- Communication isn’t just a “soft skill”, it’s the foundation of productivity, collaboration, and trust in every workplace.
- Clear, consistent communication improves output, strengthens teamwork, and reduces costly misunderstandings.
- Great leaders rely on communication to inspire, direct, and bring clarity during uncertainty.
- Engagement rises when people feel informed, included, and able to speak up, all made possible through strong communication.
- Trust and transparency grow when communication is open, honest, and human, creating workplaces where people feel safe to contribute.
- Effective communication fuels better problem-solving by creating space for ideas, solutions, and constructive challenge.
- You can improve your communication instantly by applying tools like the 7 Cs, active listening, emotional awareness, confident body language, and clear storytelling.
We’ve trained over 150,000 people across 46 countries at Body Talk, empowering them to communicate with purpose. Now it’s your turn.
Why is communication important?
Communication underpins every relationship and every organisation. It’s how teams align around shared goals, how leaders inspire action, and how problems get solved before they escalate.
When communication breaks down, misunderstandings grow and progress stalls. But when it works, everything else works better.
Think about a team project: a clear message about roles, priorities, and deadlines removes confusion and saves hours of wasted effort. That’s the power of effective communication, it doesn’t just make things clearer, it makes them happen.
Why do we need to communicate?
In the workplace, your ability to communicate clearly determines how others perceive your credibility and confidence. A well-explained idea can unite a team behind a vision. A poorly worded one can create confusion, doubt, or hesitation.
We often assume people “get” what we mean, but that’s where things break down. A conversation that never happens, or an instruction left unsaid, can be the difference between a project that thrives and one that misses the mark.
Why is communication important in the workplace?
Communication isn’t just how information moves, it’s how your organisation functions. It shapes your workplace culture and impacts how people feel coming into work every single day.
Here’s what happens when communication truly works in your organisation.
Improves productivity
The link between communication and output is undeniable. In The State of Business Communication 2024 report, 64% of business leaders said effective communication improved their team’s productivity, and 55% of knowledge workers agreed.
Why? Because clarity saves time. When everyone knows what’s expected, projects move faster and mistakes shrink. Communication doesn’t just pass on information, it gives direction, energy, and focus.
Improves collaboration and teamwork
The best teams don’t just talk, they challenge each other, build on ideas, and move towards a shared goal. That only happens when communication flows freely and honestly.
In remote and hybrid setups, this becomes even more important. You need intentional communication – clear updates, open feedback, and space for real discussion.
Strengthens leadership credibility
The best leaders know how to make complex ideas simple, direction clear, and people feel seen.
History gives us a powerful example: Winston Churchill. During World War II, his speeches didn’t simply deliver information, they strengthened national morale and unity. His words gave people something to believe in.
In business, the same principle holds. A leader who communicates with honesty and clarity, even in uncertainty, earns credibility.
Enhances employee engagement
When people feel informed and included, they care more. Communication gives people the “why” behind the “what,” and that’s what keeps them engaged.
According to research by Engage for Success, there are four key enablers that drive engagement in organisations, and each one relies heavily on how leaders and teams communicate.
- Leaders need to communicate a clear, consistent story about the organisation – where it’s come from, where it’s going, and how everyone fits into that journey. This narrative gives people a sense of direction and purpose.
- Managers play a vital role in bringing communication to life. When they focus their people, give them freedom to deliver, and treat them as individuals – coaching and stretching them appropriately – engagement grows naturally.
- Communication shouldn’t flow only from the top down. Employees should be encouraged to speak up, share ideas, and challenge constructively. When people are part of the conversation, they feel part of the solution.
- Trust depends on alignment between what’s said and what’s done. Real engagement takes root when values are lived consistently and communication is honest and transparent.
Builds trust and transparency
Trust grows where communication is open. Deloitte research shows that employees are far more likely to trust organisations that communicate clearly and honestly – using plain language to explain decisions, goals, and motives.
Transparency doesn’t mean oversharing. It means respecting people enough to keep them informed. When communication is straightforward, it creates psychological safety. People feel confident, included, and ready to contribute.
Unlocks better problem-solving
Good communication creates the space for better ideas to emerge. When people feel heard and trusted, they’re more likely to speak up and share solutions.
As leadership expert and author Simon Sinek puts it:
“The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.”
The benefits of effective communication
The outcomes we’ve covered, like greater productivity and engagement, are what drive real business results. Better communication doesn’t just support growth, it fuels it.
And then there’s trust, potentially the most impactful outcome of effective communication. According to the Workforce Institute at UKG, 74% of employees would rather work for a trustworthy employer. That tells you everything. When communication is open and genuine, people feel respected and part of something bigger. They stop guessing, start believing, and choose to stay.
Examples of effective communication in action
Whether you’re managing a team, giving feedback, or having a conversation at home, communication influences the outcome. Here’s how it comes to life in practice:
- A project manager clearly outlining deliverables – They set expectations early, confirm understanding, and follow up regularly. This clarity keeps everyone aligned and avoids duplication of effort.
- A leader using empathy to handle conflict or feedback – Instead of reacting defensively, they listen first, acknowledge how the other person feels, and respond calmly. That emotional intelligence helps resolve tension.
- Team collaboration through regular stand-ups and updates – Short, consistent check-ins ensure everyone’s on the same page. They give space to raise challenges, share progress, and celebrate wins, keeping momentum high and miscommunication low.
- Expressing gratitude – A simple “thank you” or a note of appreciation shows people they’re valued. It deepens connection and makes everyday interactions more positive.
Types of communication and why they matter
Every message you send, whether spoken, written, or silent, fits into one of five key types of communication:
Note to launch team: Please link this to the “Types of Communication” blog once live.
- Verbal Communication
This is the spoken word – conversations, meetings, phone calls, and presentations. Strong verbal communication skills can inspire confidence and resolve issues quickly through tone, pace, and choice of words. - Non-Verbal Communication
Your body language, tone, facial expressions, gestures, and posture all communicate meaning, often more than your words do. A confident stance, open expression, or steady tone can reinforce your message, while mismatched signals can undermine it. - Written Communication
Written communication is how teams share updates, document decisions, and ensure consistency across time zones or departments. Developing written communication skills means using structure, precision, and tone that reflect both professionalism and intent. - Visual Communication
Charts, infographics, videos, and presentation slides transform complex ideas into engaging, digestible insights. In a world of information overload, strong visuals can make your message cut through and stick. - Listening as Communication
Active listening skills are often underestimated, yet they’re the foundation of successful communication. Practicing active listening means having the ability to be fully present instead of waiting for your turn to speak. It helps you understand what’s really being said and respond thoughtfully. When people feel heard, they’re more open, collaborative, and engaged.
How communication has changed in the modern workplace
Workplace communication looks completely different today. Face-to-face communication has been proven to engage the brain more effectively than virtual meetings, yet for many of us, remote and hybrid work means most interactions now happen through a screen.
That makes how you communicate online more important than ever. Set your camera so your upper body and hands are visible – gestures and body language bring life and credibility to your words. Without them, your message can fall flat. Simple things like eye contact with the camera or a genuine smile help replace the human cues we lose online.
And when it comes to presentations, remember that slides should support your message, not replace it. Keep your slides brief, visual, and focused on key points, then dip in and out of them to guide the discussion. Your spoken words and body language are what make ideas land.
How to improve communication skills
Here are five ways to sharpen your skills and communicate with more impact:
1. The 7 Cs of effective communication
The 7 Cs are the foundation of great communication. They act as a quick checklist to make sure your message is clear, relevant, and respectful, no matter who you’re speaking to.
- Completeness – Give your audience all the information they need to understand or act confidently.
- Conciseness – Be efficient with your words and avoid unnecessary detail or repetition.
- Consideration – Think about your audience’s needs and perspective. Tailor your message so it speaks to what matters most to them.
- Concreteness – Use real examples or evidence that make your ideas tangible and memorable.
- Clarity – Use plain, direct language and structure your thoughts logically so your message is easy to follow.
- Courtesy – Communicate with respect, empathy, and professionalism, especially during sensitive conversations.
- Correctness – Check that your message is factually accurate and well-written.
When you apply these consistently, your communication becomes easier to understand, harder to misinterpret, and far more persuasive.
2. Use business storytelling
Great communicators don’t just share information, they tell stories that make people care. Business storytelling is about framing your message around your audience and their needs. Instead of leading with what you want to say, lead with what they need to hear.
Storytelling techniques also help people connect emotionally and remember key points long after the meeting ends. A well-told story gives meaning to data.
3. Practise emotional awareness
The most effective communicators are emotionally intelligent. They recognise how their mood, tone, and body language affect others, and adjust accordingly. Take a moment before important conversations to check in with yourself: What are you feeling? How might that come across?
Likewise, pay attention to others’ emotions. Noticing subtle cues helps you respond with empathy, defuse tension, and connect more authentically.
4. Strengthen non-verbal communication
Becoming aware of the non-verbal cues you’re sending can have a huge impact on your communication skills. Do you stand/sit tall? Do you use open gestures? Do you make eye contact regularly? It’s about showing confidence without force, and warmth without overdoing it.
5. Give and receive feedback openly
Constructive feedback is powerful when it’s done well. Encourage open conversations where feedback is normal, not uncomfortable. When giving it, be specific and supportive – focusing on behaviours instead of personality. When receiving it, listen fully before responding.
Want to go further?
Explore our full guide, How to Improve Business Communication Skills, for practical techniques and expert insights you can start using straight away. You can also view our guide on What Is Business Communication? Definition, Importance & How To Improve It which explores the types, methods and how to overcome barriers.
Transformational communication training courses from Body Talk
Is communication the barrier between your team’s potential and their performance?
Body Talk’s communication skills training gives leaders and teams the practical, science-backed tools to transform their impact.
Your team will learn to:
- Command attention naturally – Using body language and presence that instantly engage others and project authority without force.
- Handle pressure with confidence – Applying proven techniques to manage nerves, stay calm under scrutiny, and deliver clearly even in high-stakes moments.
- Build trust fast – By communicating with authenticity, empathy, and emotional intelligence that make every interaction feel human and credible.
- Influence and inspire – Delivering messages that spark action and commitment, not just agreement.
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions we’re most often asked, and the principles that explain why great communication changes everything.
Why is communication so important to us?
Communication is important because it’s how we connect, collaborate, and grow, both at work and at home. Developing strong communication skills helps you express ideas clearly and build stronger relationships with colleagues, clients and partners, as well as friends and family members.
What is the main goal of communication?
The goal of communication is understanding – ensuring that your message is received as you intended. Whether it’s sharing information, solving problems, or inspiring action, great communication bridges gaps between people and ideas.
Why does communication style matter?
Everyone communicates differently, and understanding those different communication styles is what helps you communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings. A mismatch in tone, pace, or approach can easily lead to poor communication and misunderstanding. Recognising your own style, and learning to adapt to others, helps you build stronger, more productive relationships.
What are examples of positive body language?
Positive body language is a key part of effective communication skills. It shows openness, confidence, and genuine interest. Examples include steady eye contact, a relaxed posture, leaning slightly forward when listening, and nodding to show understanding. These non-verbal cues strengthen connection and trust, both in the workplace and in personal relationships.
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