Workplace Communication

Efficient Communication – An Overview

When embarking on workplace efficiency upgrades within your workplace, communication will inevitably become one of the main focal points of any changes you make. Large, clear signs and notices will inform everyone at your premises of where they are, what is happening and, crucially, how to stay safe. All information should be easy to see at a distance and identify people, processes and provisions. Machinery signs, storage labels and even name badges are all part of your communications arsenal.

Visual Communication and 5S

One of the first questions to ask yourself when planning new communication methods is “Is my message being heard?" By considering this we aren’t just looking at whether people on your site are being told information, but whether they are truly engaging with it. Often a less is more approach is best so that the most important messages aren’t being lost in an information overload.

Creating a visual workplace is one of the main aims of 5S working. Clear, concise easy to read communication methods will support virtually every area of 5S methodology and allow staff and visitors to instantly understand your message.

Make communications as visible as possible. Using before and after photos or other visuals such as diagrams and charts, it is entirely possible to get your point across without using words at all.

Colour coded document holders, page borders and magnets will draw the reader’s eye to relevant information. Match these to processes and areas that are already separated by colour to produce a cohesive information system.

Implementing Employee Communications

For workplace efficiency measures to be most effective, everyone they directly relate to must be considered at the implementation stage. Involve staff in planning how and where you will communicate and make them a part of the ongoing process. For example, a whiteboard showing critical information should be placed in an area where everyone can see it before work commences. Look at the routes people take upon entering your premises and decide whether daily notices should be posted in staff break rooms or at the entrance to the “shop floor". After consulting with staff and managers the correct location should become apparent.

In order to engage with your audience and increase connectivity, make your communications both interesting and fun. Create slogans that can be used and ask for staff suggestions for new ones. Don’t allow important messages to become lost in the noise – instead use short, snappy slogans that are easy to read and remember.
Encourage staff to check boards and other signage regularly and change the information displayed daily, weekly and monthly as required.

Constantly evaluate communication methods with workers and ensure changes are made if required.

The Importance of Key Performance Indicator Tracking

When employees are well informed they will work harder as they feel they can directly impact productivity and see the fruits of their labour. A board which displays key performance indicators such as sales targets, stock status and wastage can be an important tool in involving staff in the performance of your business. Set small daily or weekly targets and encourage everyone to keep these key performance indicators in mind throughout the working day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which products can improve efficient communication in the workplace?

The products you use to promote efficient communication in your workplace largely depend on your office or workplace layout and the purpose of the communications.

• Our rotating call centre board is a great space saver with three magnetised and rotating whiteboards. You can use it to display information without cluttering smaller offices. It is ideal for open-plan setups.


• Another space-saving solution is our wall-mounted drywipe whiteboard. Affix it at eye level for essential communications, reminders and workshops.


• Seton’s whiteboard deluxe kit contains everything you need for your whiteboard. The set includes whiteboard markers, cleaning fluid, a whiteboard eraser and non-abrasive wipes. You can use these accessories without damaging your whiteboard.

How do I implement a LEAN way of workplace communication?

Implementing a LEAN way of communicating underpins a philosophical approach that highlights the elimination of all unnecessary elements in a process. Following this approach means that you evaluate all your work strategies and procedures and only keep those that add value and promote productivity.

• Using our colour-coded document pockets promotes 5S and LEAN principles. A magnetic strip secures them to any metal shelving and cabinets.


• Seton also stocks self-adhesive, colour-coded frames that hold reminders for 5S and LEAN manufacturing environments. Easily insert and remove documents without moving the frame.

How can I track health and safety KPIs?

Our health and safety experts sourced an extensive selection of KPI header boards for the tracking and monitoring of health and safety KPIs in any work environment. These highly visual boards come in different sizes and are manufactured from either vinyl or rigid plastic. You can easily change, update and reposition the included magnetic rubbers to reflect current situations and outstanding matters.

Seton also stocks KPI boards for other areas. Explore our all-inclusive range of KPI header boards, which includes human resources and delivery KPI aids.