The most important thing is not to confuse hearing with listening. You know the difference. You\u2019ve experienced it, especially if you are the parent of a teen. You tell the teen that you want to leave at 6:30 to go to their baseball game. They need to be ready by then and have taken the trash out first. They grunt affirmation. At 6:30, they are playing Xbox and have no recollection of you saying anything about leaving or the trash. Why? Because they heard you talking earlier, but they weren\u2019t actively listening.<\/p>\n
![\"employee](\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/kyle-smith-SIZ66vF4FKA-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
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What is active listening?<\/h2>\n
Active listening is truly listening to what the other person is saying. You are not only hearing that they are speaking but you are working to process what is said. Active listening<\/a> in the workplace involves:<\/p>\n Active listening is not routine. Yet it can be learned and practiced. We\u2019ll cover how to develop your active listening skills in the next article in this series. In the meantime, let\u2019s explore the advantages of applying active listening in the workplace.<\/p>\n Effective listening is valuable for many reasons all across the workplace, and not just for Human Resources<\/a> teams! Benefits of active listening in the workplace include the following.<\/p>\n Whether it is with your colleagues, your manager, the people you supervise or your clients and customers, active listening is the foundation for successful communication.<\/p>\n According to a report<\/a> by global PR firm Holmes, \u201cthe cost of\u202fpoor communication<\/a>\u202fhas hit an overwhelming $37 billion.\u201d The study\u2019s 400 companies \u201cestimated that\u202fcommunication barriers<\/a>\u202fcost the average organization $62.4 million per year in lost productivity.\u201d<\/p>\n After all, someone who is an active listener is better able to offer valuable feedback<\/a>. This fosters a healthier workplace culture<\/a> overall.<\/p>\n Active listening example<\/strong>: \u201cThank you for bringing that to my attention. If I hear you correctly, you feel that we\u2019re rushing this project across the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n With effective communication comes reduced workplace conflict<\/a>. If people are able to listen actively in the workplace, they are more likely to hear what is really being said. This can help teams:<\/p>\n Each of these can help teams collaborate more effectively. They are also more likely to reach their goals without interpersonal drama.<\/p>\n Active listening example<\/strong>: \u201cYou seem hurt by what Jane said. What could she have done differently?\u201d<\/p>\n You can increase employee engagement and improve retention<\/a> when people feel that you are listening. Individuals that feel that their input is heard and respected are more likely to feel connected to the organization. They\u2019re more likely to trust that management has their interests in mind when making decisions.<\/p>\n Active listening example<\/strong>: \u201cI know this project is taking you out of your comfort zone. How are you coping?\u201d<\/p>\n Having people that actively listen to one another can help projects move along smoothly. Individuals have heard what is expected of them and how to do it and when. They are in a better position to do the work well.<\/p>\n The reduction in conflict and creation of a positive working environment also helps your people stay focused on their work. They can accomplish more when they aren\u2019t having to go back and ask again, \u201cwhat did you mean when you said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Active listening example<\/strong>: \u201cSo, if I understand you correctly, you want me to reformat 17 of these presentation by 3 and it\u2019s 2:30 now?\u201d (Added advantage of this one: you\u2019re helping the manager to hear when they might be setting an unrealistic expectation).<\/p>\n Active listening can foster awareness<\/a> in two directions \u2014 of self and of others. With active listening in the workplace an individual can better understand how they communicate with others. This self-awareness can improve interactions with peers and managers, which can boost confidence as well.<\/p>\n This intentional listening can also help employers and employees recognize differences and learn to accept each other for their respective contributions. Active listening helps people to develop real connections and lets them feel more comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.<\/p>\n Active listening example<\/strong>: \u201cThat\u2019s good feedback. I hadn\u2019t considered how you felt to have me interrupt you during meetings.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s estimated that people spend about 55% of their work day listening<\/a>. Yet they may not be actively listening. That\u2019s an opportunity missed. Look for the next article in this series which will discuss strategies to be a better active listener. We\u2019ll also discuss how to apply active listening in client interactions.<\/p>\n\n
Why active listening is essential in the workplace<\/h2>\n
Better communication<\/h2>\n
Reduces conflict<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nImproves retention<\/h2>\n
Increases productivity<\/h2>\n
Fosters awareness<\/h2>\n