Corporate Training · Staff Skill Development
An in-house workshop that introduces your staff to models of effective interpersonal communication and the common things that get in its way. We come to you, or meet you online, and the session runs from one to three hours depending on the depth you want.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of an effectively functioning organisation.
The business case
Safe Work Australia, Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025 (October 2025); PwC for Beyond Blue and the National Mental Health Commission.
Most workplace conflict begins with something small, such as a misunderstanding or an email that was read the wrong way. If nobody deals with it, it turns into tension between colleagues and lost time, and at the far end it can become a bullying complaint or a stress claim. Psychological injury claims are now the most expensive category in the country, with a median payout of $67,400.
Under the Model WHS Regulations you must identify psychosocial hazards and control the risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and conflict and poor workplace relationships are among those hazards. Training your staff to communicate clearly and respectfully does not discharge that duty on its own, but it is documented evidence of a control measure, which is the record regulators and insurers ask to see.
What participants learn
Each one is a specific, practical thing your staff can use the day after the workshop.
Understand the fundamental components of the communication process, including non-verbal cues, decoding and context
Recognise how emotions affect the way they communicate
Demonstrate stronger active listening skills
Communicate more assertively, using “I” statements
Speak more clearly, confidently and respectfully across different workplace settings
Identify and address the common barriers to effective interpersonal communication
Compare formats & start the conversation
Pick the format that looks closest, tell us your numbers, and whether you are thinking onsite or online. We'll call you to talk it through and shape a quote around what your team actually needs. Tap a card to choose it. Not sure? Pick the standard option and we'll sort it out together on the call.
Every format is run in-house for your own team, at your offices or online, so we come to you. Groups of 10 to 20 work best. Large-group seminar and webinar formats, short lunch and learn sessions and half or full day programs are also available. Every format is quoted per workshop. Tell us the scope and we’ll put a written quote together.
Outcomes
How it works
Tell us team size, format and rough timing.
2 minutesA short conversation about your team, then a quote built around what you actually need.
Personalised discussionWe shape the examples and practice scenarios around the conversations your people actually have, with colleagues and with clients.
1–2 weeks outAt your offices or online, by an experienced facilitator.
1 to 3 hoursWho delivers it
Associated EAP workshops are delivered by degree-qualified counsellors or registered psychologists, or adult education specialists where appropriate. Many of our facilitators also work clinically alongside their training, so the examples in the room come from real practice rather than a manual.
Associated EAP has provided employee assistance and workplace training for over 20 years. Workshops are delivered at your own offices, or online.
What participants say
“Great session. Enjoyable, effective communication of concepts. Relevant & can be applied to work & personal situations.”
“A lovely presentation by a very knowledgeable presenter. Engaging and very friendly. Thank you.”
“For the time allocated, all aspects were great.”
“Excellent course.”
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Common questions
Every format is quoted per workshop rather than per person, so the cost does not climb with every extra head in the room. What shapes it is the format you choose, your group size, your location, and whether you want the one-hour workshop, the extended version or the three-hour program.
Every organisation's needs are different, which is why we don't do one-size-fits-all quotes. Tell us the scope of what you're after and we'll put together a written quote so you know exactly what you're getting before you book.
The workshop runs for between one and three hours. The standard version runs for one hour, the extended version adds 30 minutes to an hour on managing challenging conversations, and the three-hour Effective & Respectful Communication program goes further into emotional intelligence, stress and teamwork. Each one can be delivered at your premises or online over Zoom.
Participants gain a better appreciation of the communication process and practise effective communication techniques in a series of exercises. They also gain insight into the subtleties of good communication, as a way of improving their own interpersonal skills. The workshop is offered in-house in small groups and can be tailored to the particular needs of your organisation.
Yes, the extended version and the three-hour program both cover them. The extended version adds a component on managing challenging conversations with colleagues and clients, built on the PLANN model, with case studies if time allows. The three-hour program also looks at how stress changes the way people communicate, and how to stay calm when a conversation gets heated.
Yes. Managers and team leaders often take part alongside their staff. For people leaders who want more, effective and respectful communication is one of the six modules of our Leadership Excellence program. See the leadership program.
Groups can be anywhere from 10 to 20 participants. Smaller groups give everyone time to practise the techniques rather than watch them.
Four to six weeks is comfortable, and it gives us time to tailor the material to your team. If you need something sooner, call us and we'll tell you what we can do.
Often booked together
For frontline staff whose hardest conversations are with members of the public.
See the workshop →For managers and supervisors who want to lead, coach and give feedback with more confidence.
See the workshop →For teams who want everyone to know where the line sits, and what to do when someone crosses it.
See the workshop →Tell us your team size, preferred format and rough timing. We'll call you to talk it through, then build a quote around what your team actually needs.
