Better Business Communication Day

Better Business Communication Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Monday of January. This year it falls on January 27. Throughout its history, the point has been to acknowledge the efforts of those people who communicate effectively. This means that their concise, clear, to-the-point communication accomplished its intended purpose. Unlike many other made-up holidays which serve little to no purpose, this Better Business Communication Day serves a greater purpose which is to make communication effective so that the losses that incur can be minimized. The general aim of celebrating this day is to focus on improving communication at a personal and business level so that one can exercise better decision-making.

History of Better Business Communication Day

There is no trace of when Better Business Communication Day began as a holiday. The point is to figure out when better, improved business communication became essential for good business practices. Since the earliest of times, we know that languages were invented to make communication possible, but even before this, people used body and sign language to convey their messages.

The pharaohs of Ancient Egypt used the first courier system, in 2400 B.C., using pigeons and people to deliver their messages all across the state. Privately hired pedigreed pigeons have been used for hundreds of years to deliver messages to faraway areas. Meanwhile, in the 17th century, the first-ever system of Royal Mail began in the U.K., with a similar system being incorporated in the U.S. in the 18th century.

With advancements in science and technology, ways of communication became more instantaneous and easy. More rapid communication meant that businesses and people living in distant areas could be contacted and businesses could expand. Today, when every form of communication is extremely easy, businesses still find themselves at a loss for effective communication, which has resulted in significant losses for them. Hence, the purpose and goal of observing Better Business Communication Day are not to focus on the means of communication but to improve the overall standard of communication. The key point to remember is: improve the encrypted message and its delivery so that it becomes easy to send and receive the intended message. So, this day is specially dedicated to all those who make the efforts to communicate effectively to make the businesses flourish.

Better Business Communication Day Timeline

2400 B.C. - First-Ever Courier Service

The pharaohs of Egypt create the world’s first-ever courier service — people and pigeons.

10 A.D. - Cursus Publicus

Emperor Augustus of the Roman Empire creates a public courier service to deliver letters all across Rome.

1600s - Royal Mail

King Charles makes the services of the Royal Mail available to every U.K. citizen.

1980s - Commercialized Video-conferencing

The first video conferencing begins in the 1980s.

Better Business Communication Day FAQs

What is Business Communication?

It is the process of sharing information internally and externally within an organization to achieve organizational goals.        

How can we improve our communication?

Communication is a two-way process, and often it does not involve words. The goal is to send the desired message as clearly and effectively to the other person with as little disruption as possible. Focus on keeping the message short, concise, and to the point while sending the message. When listening to the other person, practice active listening and try to stay as focused as possible by avoiding distractions like looking at the mobile phone screen or the clock to see the time.        

How much time do we spend on communication?

On average, people spend around 70 to 80 % of their days using some form of communication. Of that time, we typically spend about 9% writing, 16% reading, 30% speaking, and 45% listening.        

How to Observe Better Business Communication Day

Give the speaker your undivided attention

Do not use your mobile phone, or look at your watch while someone is talking to you, and listen to them very carefully. Always remember eye contact is important too.

Attend a class on ways to improve communication

It is never late to sign up for a class to improve your communication skills. Simply join one and learn as much as possible.

Listen to understand, not to be understood

While listening, forget about what your response should be. Focus more on what the other person is trying to communicate, and notice the difference.

Facts About Business Communication Everyone Should Know

Bad communication is proportional to turnover rate

Lack of communication or ineffective communication is the primary cause of the increasing turnover rate of staff at businesses.

Unopened emails

According to Bluesource, 206 billion emails are sent across the world daily and only one-third are opened.

$62.4 million as losses

According to a survey report of 400 companies with more than 100,000 employees each, a mean loss of $62.4 million was incurred because of ineffective communication.

19.2% increase in operating income

Organizations with highly engaged employees can increase their operating incomes by 19.2% annually.

Effective Communication builds trust

Customers have revealed that they are more likely to trust a small company with effective communication methods rather than a big company with poor communication.

Why Better Business Communication Day is Important

It helps companies improve communication

This day allows companies to improve the barriers they face internally and externally while implementing solid mechanisms for effective communications. Employees and upper management can sit together to address the issues in their communication.

It promotes a better understanding

The day creates a platform where the employees feel connected to each other and an overall sense of empowerment prevails among the employees. This sense of empowerment results in increased morale of the employees, which further results in improved performance.

To ponder our communication

Communication is encouraged in all walks of life, and there is always room for improvement. This day is a way to reach out to our fellow man and focus on good communication.

Quote of the Day

What do you hang on the walls of your mind?

-Eve Arnold

Article proofreading, substantive editing, copy-editing, and formatting by : Farzad Rahbari

Date : January 27th, 2025