The Value of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace: How to Send… The Value of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace: How to Send the Right MessagesWhy is nonverbal communication a significant asset in the workplace? This type of communication can determine how well you relate to co-workers. In fact, according to J.A. Hall (2001), “nonverbal communication refers to the ways in which human beings convey information about their emotions, needs, intentions, attitudes, and thoughts without the use of verbal language. Nonverbal cues serve important functions in human social life….” (para. 1). Clearly, it is as vital to communicate with co-workers non-verbally as it is to do so verbally. To relate to our co-workers, we need to take nonverbal cues into consideration in terms of our appearance, our use of eye contact, and our use of personal space.Firstly, appearance is a key element of nonverbal communication in the office. A person’s attire sends a direct message to co-workers. Dressing in a professional mannerwhatever style is the norm in an officewill let everyone at the company know that a person is there to work and that they are serious about their job. In? fact, researchers J. Peluchette and K. Karl (2007) have reported that “casual dress may lead to a casual work ethic” (p. 350). In this sense, there is the perception that people who dress too casually will not work as hard or that their standards are less or will loosen. Further, workers who dress inappropriately or are scruffy send a nonverbal message to their coworkers that they do not care much about projecting a positive vibe in their work environment. Thus, dressing appropriately in the office is a simple way to communicate favourable, encouraging, and enthusiastic nonverbal messages to one’s fellow co-workers. In addition to? appearance, an employee must consider their use of eye contact in the office. In some business? cultures, making eye contact is a sign of interest, respect, and honesty, all of which are important qualities when conducting business negotiations. Perhaps even more important for business communication is the finding that avoiding eye contact signals ?dishonesty, guilt, or shame for many North Americans. ?However, in other cultures, the feelings about eye contact are different. For? example, according to S. Uono and J.K. Hietanen (2015), “in Japanese? culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful” (para. 5). In this instance, avoiding eye contact shows humility, so it is a sign of respect rather than dishonesty. Overall, the positive and negative associations with making or avoiding eye contact mean that following the eye contact norms in one’s work culture or environment is important for creating respectful relationships with co-workers.Finally, one’s use of personal space in the workplace sends important nonverbal cues to co-workers. Anthropologist E. Hall (1963) referred to this as “proxemics,” which he defined as “the study of how man unconsciously structures microspacethe distance between men in the conduct of daily interactions” (p. 1003). The distance that people put between themselves and others varies by? culture and violating those norms can have negative consequences for people in the workplace. For? example, if a person stands too close to a? co-worker, they will probably make that co-worker feel uncomfortable. On the other? hand, if a person puts too much distance between themselves and a ?co-worker, the co-worker may also perceive that person as aloof or uncooperative even if that is not the case.? Therefore, everyone should learn and follow the cultural rules of personal space in their respective office so as to establish appropriate work relationships that foster productivity not conflict.Overall, following these general rules of nonverbal communicationappropriate dress, use or avoidance of eye contact, and respect for personal spacewill send the right message to co-workers about one’s professional attitude in the office environment. Thus, it is advisable that people inquire about these rules at any prospective workplace. Questions 1. What are the points of discussion?A. Attire, Hygiene, Personal Space B. Attire, Eye Contact, Personal Space C. Attire, Eye Contact, Posture 2. Based on your reading of Body Paragraph 1, what is the author’s main point about “attire”? A- That people are free to wear whatever they wish to work. B- That people do not really care about what others wear to work. C- That people who dress too casually send the message that they care very little about the company they work for. 3. Based on your reading of Body Paragraph 2, is eye contact advisable in all business interactions?A. NO B. YES Arts & Humanities English ENGL 101 101
