Value of Writing in the Workplace
The professional world is extremely diverse, but one key factor remains constant throughout; the value of reading and writing in the workplace. Although not all professions require writing and reading as part of their everyday work, for many it is extremely important and mostly mandatory in many professions. Often times people in professional world who think their own jobs require little reading actually read an excessive amount everyday. There are careers who fall into the exception though, one professional even states," for me I do very little." But no matter the profession, these skills will make you successful and allow you to remain relevant within your profession.
Amount of Reading in the Workplace
Based on the responses from several professionals, reading is a huge part of their everyday duties. A lot of emphasis is placed on staying updated within the industry and staying on top of trends. This can be done by reading various industry publications. One professional actually suggests always being in the 'process of reading' a book that pertains to your industry as a means of remaining on top of trends. Staying updated on what other companies and professionals are doing within the same business helps them to stay relevant to their own companies and develop and refine their own skills.
Professionals consider staying on top of the game as very important. Much of the reading done on a typical workday for any professional is continuous correspondence via email. Content of correspondence can vary depending on profession; normally emphasis is placed on keeping this communication short and sweet but sometimes a lengthy explanation is required. Some interviewed professionals shared some of the different types of reading that may go on throughout the workday.One professional included that,"they can send and receive anywhere from 50- 100 emails a day." Similarly a professional in the legal world shared that, "a case can be up to 25 pages… I read anywhere from 20-35 cases."Including communication between co-workers, many professionals are required to read the documents produced at their organization. This can vary depending on profession but no matter where you work, reading or referencing a written document is necessary. Whether it is reading a work schedule, newspapers, references from a database, or a legal document, reading is typically essential as part of any job.
Professionals consider staying on top of the game as very important. Much of the reading done on a typical workday for any professional is continuous correspondence via email. Content of correspondence can vary depending on profession; normally emphasis is placed on keeping this communication short and sweet but sometimes a lengthy explanation is required. Some interviewed professionals shared some of the different types of reading that may go on throughout the workday.One professional included that,"they can send and receive anywhere from 50- 100 emails a day." Similarly a professional in the legal world shared that, "a case can be up to 25 pages… I read anywhere from 20-35 cases."Including communication between co-workers, many professionals are required to read the documents produced at their organization. This can vary depending on profession but no matter where you work, reading or referencing a written document is necessary. Whether it is reading a work schedule, newspapers, references from a database, or a legal document, reading is typically essential as part of any job.
Importance of Written Communication
Not only is reading in the professional world important but being able to compose a clear document, email, employee schedule, contract, etc., with the main goal of getting your reader to read it. This is crucial in the professional writing realm. Any writing that takes place in a professional setting must be straightforward and concise. One professional even rates the importance of writing in the workplace a "9 out of 10." Wow, seems fairly important. Information must be clearly spelled out so that the minimal amount of reading can be done, and so the maximum amount of information is absorbed. Most professionals place a great deal of emphasis on the necessity of using the least amount of words to convey the most information. There is no time for “fluff” in a workplace document. In other words useless and irrelevant information is not welcome in workplace documents.