An inclusive, safe, and supportive work environment is the foundation for well-being, engagement, and strong results. But such a culture doesn’t happen on its own—it must be built. And one of the most important building blocks is clear communication.
In this article, you will learn why clarity is crucial, what research says, and how you can practically strengthen both the work environment and communication.
Why Does Communication Matter So Much?
Gallup surveys show that poor communication is one of the main causes of low engagement at work.
Organizational psychology documents that a supportive climate and clarity reduce stress, increase well-being, and strengthen performance.
Studies from Harvard Business Review show that face-to-face communication is 34 times more effective than written communication.
And perhaps most importantly: When communication fails, misunderstandings, speculation, and uncertainty arise—which I have also written more about in the article Communication in Change Processes and briefly touched on in the article about The Whisper Game.
It’s not just about talking more—it’s about talking smarter.
How Do We Create a Good Work Environment with Clear Communication?
Here are some concrete measures that research and experience show work:
1) Create a Supportive Work Environment
A good work environment is about more than just well-being—it’s about building psychological safety. When employees feel seen, heard, and valued, they dare to share ideas, take initiative, and support each other.
Tip: Acknowledge people’s ideas in a genuine way. Ask those who come up with suggestions if they’d like to help develop them further. It creates ownership and motivation.
Also, feel free to read my article: The Underrated Power of Specific Praise.
2) Be Clear About Roles and Expectations
When employees know what’s expected of them, stress and frustration are reduced.
I’ve personally experienced how burdensome it can be when responsibilities are unclear and how much peace and mastery it gives when everyone knows what they’re supposed to do. Research from Harvard Business Review also supports this: Clear roles create better performance and lower risk of burnout.
3) Build Flexibility and Balance
Flexible working hours, remote work, and an understanding of the balance between work and leisure are crucial.
Tip: Let people adjust their workdays to their own rhythms as long as the goals are met. Studies from Stanford show that flexibility increases both health and productivity.
4) Encourage Breaks and Ergonomics
Frequent short breaks, good ergonomics, and variety in the work environment reduce physical and mental exhaustion.
Fun fact: NASA found that a 20-minute “power nap” can increase performance by up to 34%!
Feel free to also check out my previous article: On Sleeping at Work.
5) Social Activities and Team Building
Social gatherings and team-building activities such as bowling, shuffleboard, escape rooms, or go-karting can strengthen bonds between colleagues and create a more positive work environment.
When we meet outside of our usual settings, we also see different sides of each other—maybe you’ll discover that the “grumpy boss” is actually just very focused, or that a colleague you barely spoke to turns out to be both fun and inspiring. This is how understanding, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community are built.
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that social activities can increase both collaboration, creativity, and well-being in the workplace. By including different types of activities that appeal to different interests, you can strengthen belonging and create relationships that last beyond work tasks.
Extra tip: Feel free to combine social activities with customer events to maximize relationships both internally and externally.
What Happens If Communication Fails?
If communication becomes unclear or fragmented, the consequences can be significant:
- Rumors and speculation thrive.
- Employees feel left out—trust in leadership is weakened.
- Misinformation leads to poor decisions.
Often, this is not due to ill intentions but psychological traps like the “illusion of transparency”—we think we’re being clear, but the message isn’t getting through.
The Solution:
- Use established channels consistently.
- Keep messages simple and clear.
- Repeat important information several times.
Closing Thoughts
A supportive work environment and clear communication go hand in hand. When employees feel informed, involved, and valued, both well-being and performance increase.
This isn’t about “small talk,” but about building a culture where people grow, collaborate, and perform their best over time.
What’s your best tip for strengthening the work environment and communication? Feel free to leave a comment—maybe we can learn even more from each other.
