The role of language of people managers

Communication plays a vital role in the workplace. Whether employees are working in the office or at the comfort of their own homes, communication helps them connect and work together seamlessly. When it comes to organization management, 64% of businesses prioritize communicating their strategy, values, and purpose to employees. Communication is highly crucial, so much so that when miscommunication occurs, companies with 100 employees spend an average of $420,000 per year to resolve problems.

Of course, organizational communication is better initiated when it comes from the top-down. Leaders such as people managers provide balance in the workplace when they implement proper communication measures. However, it’s not just a matter of bluntly conveying messages to employees―language and the medium through which it’s delivered are big factors in building a sound work culture.

In this blog, we’ll focus on the role of language in organizational communication, as well as how it can influence employees and create a positive impact in the workplace.

Transmitting organizational culture through language and feedback delivery

Language in the workplace goes beyond the technicalities of linguistics. Language sets the tone that influences the feelings and employees. For example, when people managers relay their concerns in a solely negative manner (“you shouldn’t do this”), some employees may likely take it as a form of criticism, as opposed to when concerns are relayed in a positive manner (“consider doing this”), which employees will potentially be more receptive to. Similarly, some employees may be more engaged at work when managers highlight their strengths, as opposed to their weaknesses.

Evidently, people managers play an integral role in setting the mood in the workplace just in the way they give feedback.

On another hand, just the use of certain terms shape the way employees think and feel. Canva, for instance, is regarded as one of the best companies to work for in all the markets they operate in because of the way they set their company culture through language. According to Crystal Boysen, People Lead in Canva, they’ve changed their formal weekly “stand up” meetings to casual at-home “sit downs”, in consideration of their remote work setting today. During their “sit downs”, employees are encouraged to share their goals and achievements and how their activity contributes to Canva’s overall mission. Just the change in terms assure Canva employees that they can be comfortable when meeting their colleagues, as opposed to feeling anxious like in a formal setting.

By upholding an encouraging work language, Canva is able to give their employees a positive outlook for work and shape a supportive work culture.

How the language of people managers create a positive impact at work

Once people managers set their language and implement an effective communication style, they’ll finally be able to build employee morale and engagement, drive employee commitment and loyalty, and lessen misunderstandings and lawsuits, among other things. But of course, not all companies have the knowledge and resources to improve their organizational management practices.

Through its HR by Design service, Q2 HR Solutions can provide companies with the expertise on organizational structure, change management, and more. With over 20 years of experience in HR, Q2 is equipped to support companies with different workforce and operational needs. With the right HR partner, companies, especially their people managers, can efficiently organize their communication style and create a sound workplace for their employees.