5 Ways to Amplify Your Voice at Work

Cathie Leimbach • May 9, 2023

When is the last time you spoke up at work? Do you share your ideas for improving communication in your department, respond to your manager’s email asking what training you would be interested in this year, or drop a possible solution to a frustrating workplace situation in the staff suggestion box? 

Workplace dissatisfaction is common. Employee morale is falling. Employee turnover is high. Many people share workplace frustrations and potential solutions with their family and friends. Yet, they don’t use their voice at work. Instead, they put up with workplace drudgery or change jobs again in search of a rewarding experience. 

Often, leaders who ask employees for their input and offer opportunities for team problem solving get few responses. If you wish to be heard and valued at work, amplify your voice.  

Here are 5 ways you could speak up to improve the workplace experience for your colleagues, yourself, and the organization.

  1. Speak up during meetings: Whenever there is a meeting, make sure to contribute your ideas and opinions.
  2. Use communication tools: Utilize email, instant messaging, or project management software to share your ideas and feedback with your team. This can help you reach out to others even when you're not in the same physical location.
  3. Seek out one-on-one conversations: If you feel uncomfortable sharing your ideas or feedback in a group setting, try to have one-on-one conversations with your supervisor or other colleagues you feel comfortable with. This can help you build a rapport with your colleagues and foster more productive discussions.
  4. Provide written feedback: Sometimes, it can be difficult to express your thoughts and ideas verbally. Provide written feedback, such as in an email or memo, to share your perspective with your team.
  5. Participate in employee surveys: If your organization conducts employee surveys, take the time to fill out these surveys and provide detailed responses to help shape the company's direction and improve the workplace.

 

You have valuable ideas for improving the workplace experience and/or productivity in your organization.  Which of the above ways will you use to put these ideas forward for consideration? What will you do this week to amplify your voice?

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