Effective communication in the workplace
Effective communication in the workplace is a self-paced online course delivered by The Open University (OpenLearn). It is free, takes about 24 hours, and awards a digital badge and statement of participation (free).
FreeChecked on 29 September 2026
- Relevance to work
- 2.4 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 2 / 2
- Credential
- 1.2 / 1.5
- Currency
- 0.45 / 1.5
- Total
- 8.1 / 10
Provider learner rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 191 ratings on provider page, as at 2026-09-29
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree on OpenLearn as at 29 Sep 2026, including the digital badge and statement of participation. Free OpenLearn account needed to earn them. |
|---|---|
| Time | 24 hours (provider stated) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | none |
| Credential | digital badge and statement of participation (free) |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-09-29 |
Topics:Teams and careersService and customers
Things to know
- Content last updated April 2020
- Listening and empathy are the focus of Week 2; the rest of the course covers wider communication
- Badge requires completing the course and passing the Week 4 and Week 8 badge quizzes
Summary
An eight-week badged course on communicating well at work, with a full week on listening, active listening, asking effective questions and empathy. It helps anyone who wants to be better understood and to understand colleagues and customers better.
You will be able to
- Practise active listening: focus on the speaker, avoid interrupting, show interest, stay non-judgemental and give feedback
- Ask effective questions to check understanding
- Read and use non-verbal communication
- Handle challenging conversations and communicate across diverse teams
- Reflect on your own communication skills and plan how to develop them
Modules
- Week 1: The importance of communication in the workplace
- Week 2: Communication skills
- Week 3: Understanding non-verbal communication
- Week 4: Verbal communication in the workplace
- Week 5: Written communication skills for the workplace
- Week 6: Dealing with challenging situations
- Week 7: Communication and diversity
- Week 8: The future of communication in the workplace
Who it suits
Any worker who wants stronger listening and communication skills, especially in people-facing or team roles.
Who is behind it
- Delivered by
- The Open University
- Hosted on
- OpenLearn (open.edu/openlearn)
- Funded by
- Not stated
- Partners
- Google (listed on OpenLearn's Grow with Google soft skills page)
Related courses
Questions
- Is Effective communication in the workplace free?
- Yes. It is free for anyone, anywhere in the world. Free on OpenLearn as at 29 Sep 2026, including the digital badge and statement of participation. Free OpenLearn account needed to earn them. Checked 29 September 2026 against the provider's own page.
- How long does it take?
- About 24 hours (provider stated).
- Do you get a certificate?
- Yes. It awards a digital badge and statement of participation, free.
- Who is it for?
- Any worker who wants stronger listening and communication skills, especially in people-facing or team roles.
- Can I take it from outside Australia?
- Yes. It is open worldwide. It is free in: Worldwide.
Sources
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