Supportive Communication in the Workplace

Abstract

Supportive communication is a form of social interaction that produces resources with which to solve situational problems and manage emotional strain. Through the management of uncertainty, supportive communication enhances the perception of personal control over life events and strengthens the perception of acceptance. It is enacted in the seeking of support, in providing support, and in supportive listening as a form of emotional and informational support. In the workplace, supportive communication is crucially important: It promotes productive work and employees’ well-being as well as job satisfaction and engagement in the organization. This chapter presents the foundations of supportive communication, reviews existing knowledge of social support and supportive messages, and applies this knowledge to workplace communication. The chapter also discusses the development of supportive communication in workplace.