In formation, it may be welcoming (3)
I believe the answer is:
mat
'be welcoming' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'in formation it' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'MAT' is hidden in the letters of 'formation it'.
'may' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mat that I've seen before include "Piece of material for wiping feet on" , "Small rug" , "What the cat sat on?" , "Rough piece of floor-covering" , "Thick flat pad on the floor" .)