The effect of short-time active listening training

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology
• Workplace Training

Background:

• Mental health support in the workplace is crucial for employee well-being and productivity.
• Active listening is a key communication skill that can enhance interpersonal dynamics and reduce workplace stress.
• Limited research exists on the effectiveness of short, targeted active listening training for managers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 2.5-hour active listening training program for managers in a chemical company.
• To assess the immediate and long-term effects of the training on managers' listening skills and workplace communication.

Main Methods:

• A 2.5-hour active listening training was delivered to 229 managers.
• Participants completed questionnaires immediately after training and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-training.
• The Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS) was administered before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after training to measure changes in listening attitude and method.

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction (85.9%) and intention to implement learned skills (79.7%) were reported immediately after training.
• After 6 months, 81.4% recalled the training content, and 49.7% were actively practicing learned skills.
• The Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS) showed a significant increase in the 'method of listening' score post-training, indicating improved practical application of skills.

Conclusions:

• A short, 2.5-hour active listening training program can have a positive and lasting impact on managers' communication skills.
• The training led to increased conversations about non-work topics and smoother communication and support among subordinates.
• These findings suggest that brief, focused interventions can effectively enhance workplace mental health and communication dynamics.