Workplace communication is the exchange of information within a business or organisation. It means that messages are sent and received clearly and accurately, and it determines the satisfaction people achieve in their place of business. It incorporates oral and written communication, listening, public speaking, and adaptability.
Every workplace needs to have effective systems, processes, and practices where communication is concerned – and this is also very true for any RTO.
As businesses, RTOs are built on human connection and relationships, and building and maintaining these relationships is underpinned by effective communication.
Sounds simple, right? Yet communicating effectively takes time, effort, and a strategic approach.
The Importance of Communication for an RTO
Effective communication:
Supports positive culture
Provides purpose
Prevents confusion
Fosters accountability
Any business that provides education or training must ensure that all educators, trainers, students, and trainees are in harmony and that the systems for communication between all stakeholders are efficient and delivered with clarity.
Trainers must be able to convey their message to trainees and students clearly and concisely so that every student is engaged and immersed in the learning experience. This means connecting with every student or trainee regardless of their background, prior experience, discipline, and academic or practical ability.
Team members must also connect effectively through a combination of non-verbal, verbal, and written communication strategies. This includes creating and maintaining an inclusive environment and establishing common ground as a basis for communication for people at all levels.
Effective communication in a workplace (including an RTO) means analysing, improving, and streamlining:
Systems of communication – Schedules, signage, protocols, guidelines, venue plans, and other systems that connect all relevant parties with the goals and strategies of the business.
Procedures – To establish how communications will be affected on all levels of the business and who is responsible for it.
Business Practices – What must be communicated? When? How can it best be communicated with clarity?
Effective Communication in the Education and Training Sector delivers a wide array of benefits to both the RTO as a business and across the wider industry:
Higher retention rates
Positive learning culture
Higher rates for course completion
Enhanced assessment results
Better student and trainee engagement
Better delivery experience for trainers, educators, and students
Improvements in morale
Higher rates of productivity
Minimised racial and social tension
Some Basic Tips
Create a welcoming learning atmosphere.
Maintain a clear learning structure covering all of your organisation’s activities.
Use the right tools to boost two-way communication.
Encourage students to participate and share their thoughts opinions, and to ask questions.
Build a rapport with students and offer constructive, descriptive feedback.
Track milestones and progress.
Praise success and positive development.
Support students and value their contributions.
Schedule one-on-one debriefing sessions.
Organise and promote team-building activities.
Effective communication is part of a positive workplace environment, and within your RTO, it is intrinsic to your success, benefiting both educators and trainees and enabling the learning and retention of applicable skills and knowledge required for their chosen careers.
Call RTO Intelligence
RTO Intelligence is here to help you with all aspects of running your registered training organization, from set up to compliance and much, much more – including communication strategies, coaching and mentoring,
Call us on 1300 833 424 or connect with us via our online contact form.
Comments