Footnotes:

[1] A fax machine is a device that

Chapter 3: sends and receives documents

electronically over a phone line. It
converts printed documents into digital
signals that are transmitted over
Nature of Workplace Communications copper wires.

[2] A PDA machine, or personal digital

Evolution of Communication assistant, is a small, handheld device
that stores and retrieves information. It
Text Video can be used for personal or business
Pagers[3] Emails Messaging Smartphones Conferencing purposes.
1980 2018
Fax PDAs Social [3] A pager is a small, wireless device
Mobile Instant that receives and displays
Machine[1] Machine[2] Phones Messaging Networks messages. They are also known as
beepers or bleepers.

Areas of Development: [4] The workforce is currently made by

• Education 5 generations: Silent Generation
(1928-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-
1964), Generation X (1965-1980),
Previous Current Millennials (1981-1996), and GenZ
(1997-2012).
• F2F Meetings • Blended Learning
• PowerPoint
• Manuscripts

• Social Media

Previous Current

• Newspaper • Internet

Human Connection
Building relationships with others. This is important at workplace.
Workplace Communication
Process of exchanging information, either verbally or non-verbally, that is important in any social
environment including academic and corporate settings
Dynamics of Workplace Communication
The collaboration of different people from different or similar backgrounds
1. Diversity in Workplace – involves a variety of people
a. Multigenerational Workplace – involves people from different generations [4]

Advantages Disadvantages

• Workplace has new ideas • Conflicts arises between

and perspectives coming people due to differences in
from different generations priorities and needs

b. Organization Culture – how an organization operates, the employee attitudes, and overall
tone and approach. One of its advantages is that it achieves the company goal

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Nature of Workplace Communications

c. Multiplicity of Identities – differences in gender, ethnicity, language, beliefs, and other

attributes. Its main disadvantage is it is prone to discrimination

2. Coworker Relationships – building positive relationships starting from hiring to role designation
3. Shared Leadership – the distribution of leadership responsibilities within a team
4. Team Building – gathering that can be formal or informal in order to help with collaborations
o Task roles – help with the team carry out tasks
o Relationship roles – strengthening team relationships
o Self-centered roles – interferes with team’s completion of tasks
Technical Writing
Involves communicating complex information to those who need to carry out a task
Technical Writer
Talented wordsmiths who do manuals, how-to guides, online wiki sections, journal articles, press
releases, and other material that simplifies and explains technical information
Features of Technical Writing
1. Accurate – complete and true facts 7. Procedural – step-by-step instruction
2. Clear – easily understandable 8. Specialized – for specific audience
3. Formal – Follows standards 9. Diverse – has multicultural audience
4. Graphical – utilizes charts, images, and 10. Straightforward – honest and direct
diagrams 11. Authoritative – commands credibility and
5. Objective – Free from bias influence
6. Practical – has clear purpose
Types of Technical Writing
1. End-to-end user – aims user to understand how the product functions
2. Processing Documentation – share knowledge how to do a task
3. Expert-to-expert – includes research summaries, legal documents, white papers
4. Technical Marketing Communications – drive brand awareness and understand product core
benefits
Examples of Technical Writing
1. User manuals – about how to use a certain product
2. Annual Reports – tackles how the business performs for a year
3. Business Plans – consists of the implementation, products, and organizational structure
4. Press Release – conveys an information for the entity
Workplace Communications as Technical and Professional Communication
Globalization increases the need for professional and technical communication in the workplace.
Effective communication through reports, proposals, and presentations improves operations, attracts
customers, and boosts company success.

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 Nature of Workplace Communications
Communication Materials Footnotes:
Written Communication in Workplace [1] This is usually done for asking
information regarding goods, and
As in any form of correspondence, business or workplace services of a business.
correspondence involves three factors:
[2] It contains the explanation for the
1. Sender – the initiator of the process wrongdoings being discussed in the
2. Message – the purpose of the business letter letter of claim
3. Receiver – the target audience or the intended reader of the [3] This document is usually attached
letter on the receiving copy of the reports
Kinds of Written Communications that is the subject of the said memo.

1. Emails – primary form of communications in the workplace

2. Reports – used to present data, analyses, or findings
3. Meeting Agendas – help keep focused and productive during a meeting
4. Presentations – should be visually engaging and easy to follow
5. Business Letter – used to communicate to individuals external of the entity
Types of Letters Based on Purpose
a. Letter of Inquiry – asking for specific information[1]
b. Letter of Claim – addressing wrongdoings in the company
c. Adjustment Letter – response to the letter of claim[2]
d. Letter of Request – ask for help in a specific need
Types of Letters According to Format

Full Block Semi-Block Modified Block

6. Memorandums – relays information to a larger number of audiences internally
Types of Memorandums
a. Instruction – contains directives from the higher ups
b. Request – request for the for the provision of facilities and services
c. Announcement – notice of an important event
d. Transmittal – announcement of the release of a report[3]
e. Authorization – granting permission to the undertaking of an operation in the organization

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 Nature of Workplace Communications
Tips in Effective Written Communication in Workplace
1. Accuracy – the content must be truthful and accurate
2. Brevity – sentences must be short and direct
3. Clarity – meanings should cut across quickly and clearly
Effective Workplace Communications
Help bring about healthy relationships among coworkers and productive work environment, both
essentials to their wellness and career growth
Job Interview

• Presupposes getting hired

• Personal sales talk, chance to talk about his/her personal values that may relate to how he/she
will or her qualification for a particular job
Common Job Interview Questions
• What can you tell me about yourself? • Why do you want to be part of this
• Why do you think you are good fit for this company/organization?
job? • Do you work well with a team?
• What are your strengths and • Why should we hire you?
weaknesses?
Practical Reminders in Becoming an Effective Workplace Communicator

• Know yourself in relation to your superiors, co-workers, and clients.

• Manage time well while working.
• See more of the lights and less of the shadows in others.
• Accept your own limitations and those of others.
• Keep communication lines open when needed.
Gentle Reminder: As an effective workplace communicator, you must be able to handle conflicts in the
workplace.
List of Toxic Attitudes of Workplace Bullies
1. Calling out a target in public for being different
2. Using people as scapegoats
3. Someone with more power sexually harasses a coworker
4. Increasing workload and pressure to perform with unrealistic deadlines
5. Targeting an individual, preventing access to opportunities, withholding information, and/or
isolating them
6. Failing to give credit to individuals who deserves recognition, setting workers up, or
overemphasizing failures
7. Physical abuse
Gentle Reminder
1. An effective workplace communicator also addresses workplace mobbing
2. For employees dealing with angry customers or clients, one must remember that “the customer
is always right," no matter what, even if they are truly difficult to deal with.
3. Entire company suffers from unaddressed conflicts
4. Higher-ups and employees must work together
5. Mutual respect and concern are important
6. Stress-free working environment is rewarding
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