Imagine it’s 2030. Remote teams and hybrid meetings are the norm, while AI tools are part of daily workflows. Every conversation matters, but gaps in communication create friction and slow progress. Which organisations will thrive? The ones that focus on developing communication capabilities today.
Over the next five years, communication skills will become one of the most critical capabilities for employees at all levels. Thoughtful, clear communication doesn’t just make conversations smoother, it shapes how teams collaborate and ultimately how organisations perform.
For L&D leaders, the mandate is urgent. Developing communication isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a business-critical capability that must be woven into the fabric of the organisation.
Why Communication Skills Matter Now
Work has become more complex and will continue to do so. Teams are often spread across departments and time zones, and projects involve multiple stakeholders. And when communication is unclear or inconsistent, even small misunderstandings can escalate into bigger challenges.
Hybrid and remote working have added another layer of complexity. People are communicating through screens more than ever, and the subtleties of tone and body language are harder to convey.
Add to that the fact that organisations are moving at unprecedented speed and change—whether a new digital transformation, or evolving market pressures—is constant. Leaders who can articulate the why behind decisions and guide their teams through uncertainty will succeed. In this environment, the ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and purposefully is no longer optional—it’s what sets effective leaders and teams apart.
What Strong Communication Looks Like
Effective communication goes beyond words. It requires:
- Clarity of thought – knowing the message you need to deliver.
- Active listening – understanding not just the words, but the intent behind them.
- Adjusting tone and energy – adapting to different audiences and situations.
- Influence through presence – persuading and guiding without relying solely on authority.
Embedding Communication Skills in Your Organisation
Developing communication skills goes beyond theory. Real, lasting growth happens when employees practise and reflect on what works. Leaders can shape this learning by setting the tone — the way they listen, respond, and give feedback creates the culture in which communication thrives. And experiential approaches, like peer feedback, and rehearsal exercises, bring this culture to life, helping skills become instinctive and making communication feel natural rather than abstract.
Practical Steps for L&D Leaders
- Rehearsal Practice: Have leaders role-play challenging conversations and reflect on tone, clarity, and impact.
- Observation & Feedback: Encourage peers to observe meetings and provide structured feedback on listening and influence.
- Reflection Prompts: After key interactions, leaders and employees should ask: “What worked? What caused misunderstanding? What could I do differently next time?”
Creating safe spaces to experiment and reflect is the foundation for turning communication skills into a lived capability.
Measuring Success
Traditional metrics like course completion or test scores capture only part of the picture. Observe behavioural changes: are leaders and employees listening more attentively, collaborating effectively, and guiding teams with clarity? Successful communication development is visible in smoother decision-making, stronger alignment, and more open, productive conversations.
Why This Will Matter
Communication might be a “soft skill”, but it’s also a strategic capability that impacts organisational performance. L&D leaders who prioritise the development of communication skills will shape the organisations that thrive in the next five years.
How 1948 Can Help
At 1948, we work with organisations to make communication skills a lived capability. Through experiential learning, actor-led rehearsal, and practical skill-building, we help build high-performing cultures where people thrive.
If you’d like to explore how this works in practice, get in touch with [email protected].
