Describe five trends occurring in today's dynamic workplace and discuss how communication skills are related to those changes

Answer 1

Social media and changing communication technologies: To use new communication technologies, including social media, the Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, voice mail, telephony, smartphones, powerful laptop computers and tablets, satellite communications, wireless networking, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, blogs, wikis, and presence technology effectively, skilled business communicators must develop a tool kit of new communication skills including how to select the best communication channel, how to use each channel safely and effectively, and how to incorporate the latest technologies and search tools efficiently.

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"Anytime, anywhere": 24/7/365 availability offices: As you rise on the career ladder, you may be expected to work long hours without extra compensation and be available practically anytime and anywhere, should a crisis strike at work. In many industries information workers are expected to remain tethered to their workplaces with laptops, tablets, and smartphones around the clock and on weekends.

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The global marketplace and competition: Successful communication in global markets requires developing new skills and attitudes. These include cultural knowledge and sensitivity, flexibility, and patience. If necessary, multinational companies even adjust their products to different palates.

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Shrinking management layers: Today's flatter organizations require that every employee be a skilled communicator. Frontline employees, as well as managers, participate in critical thinking and decision making. Nearly everyone is a writer and a communicator.

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Collaborative environment and teaming: When companies form cross-functional teams, individuals must work together and share information. These employees must develop strong interpersonal, negotiation, and collaboration skills.

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Growing workforce diversity: Business communicators must be able to interact with many coworkers who differ from them in race, ethnicity, gender, age, and many other ways.

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Virtual and nonterritorial offices: Working in open offices, having flexible working arrangements, telecommuting, and being a member of virtual teams all require the need for even stronger communication skills. Staying connected involves sending messages, most of which are written, meaning that one's writing skills are constantly on display.

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