In discussions with our employer partners, we have found that communication is a consistent pain point that they seek to address. Modern workplaces can often present communication challenges which can cause a damaging lack of communication or even miscommunication, ultimately hindering teamwork and productivity.
But effective communication is the beating heart of any successful business. It’s an important foundation for collaboration, innovation, and overall workplace harmony. It’s crucial for employee development, engagement, efficiency, and effort.
So, what are the common communication challenges in the workplace and how do you ensure you’re addressing them?
Common communication challenges
Remote working
In the post-pandemic landscape, 44% of UK workers work at home or in a hybrid setting, according to the ONS1. Despite the advantages that home working brings, communication challenges persist. Some communication issues have arisen from the lack of in-person interaction, varied schedules, and difficulty in locating information.
Although organisations are actively employing strategies to overcome these barriers, with over 1 million companies using Microsoft Teams as their main communication platform2, the reliance on digital communication can still cause misinterpretation without the context provided by non-verbal cues.
Technological barriers
With remote working comes technological barriers. In today’s digital age, reliance on various communication tools and platforms is inevitable. However, according to NHS Digital, 22% of the population does not have the digital skills needed for everyday life in the UK3, let alone skills needed in the workplace. Because of this, it is predicted that 8% of the population will remain digitally disengaged3.
The abundance of technology can also create challenges like the misinterpretation of messages, as previously mentioned, alongside a lack of face-to-face interaction, and even an information overload.
Passive listening
Passive listening involves merely hearing someone speak without actively engaging, analysing, understanding, or empathising with what they are saying. This behaviour can lead to misunderstandings and hinder creativity and productivity at work. It can also leave employees feeling unheard, and ultimately unvalued.
Diverse communication styles
Individuals bring diverse communication styles to the workplace, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Some employees may prefer direct communication, while others may favour a more indirect or collaborative approach. Neurodiversity can impact communication styles too, so each person should always be approached as unique in a conversation with their own preferences and needs when communicating. Understanding neurodiversity is a really important step in understanding communication. Facial expressions, eye contact, speech patterns, interpretations, noise and environment, and general social skills are all considerations which can present differently in different people. It is important to remember that what works for one person may not always work for another.
Cultural and language differences
Positively, the world is full of increasingly diverse workplaces. But, as workplaces diversify, employers need to understand that cultural and language differences can impact effective communication. By promoting training in the workplace that addresses cultural sensitivity, equality, diversity, and inclusion, you will encourage a culture of openness and an environment where everyone feels heard and understood.
Strategies to overcome communication barriers at work
Encourage open dialogue
Promote a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Encouraging feedback and active listening creates an environment in which issues can be addressed promptly, preventing potential conflicts from escalating. It’s also a good idea to diversify communication channels, establish clear guidelines, and conduct regular team meetings to maintain a connection with remote staff. Video meeting tools like Teams help to restore the visual context of conversations too.
Encouraging active listening at the beginning of a call is also a great idea to engage the listeners and encourage them to absorb and analyse any information they hear.
Emphasise team building
Strong teams are built on trust and understanding. Team-building activities can help employees create stronger connections, break down communication barriers, and enhance collaboration. Whether through virtual team-building exercises or in-person initiatives, investing in team cohesion is vital. These activities can also overcome passive listening habits as employees tend to be much more engaged in a dynamic work environment.
Introduce training and development into your workplace
Recognise the importance of continuous learning in the realm of communication. Provide employees with training and development opportunities that focus on improving interpersonal skills, digital communication proficiency, and cross-cultural awareness. Investing in your workforce’s communication capabilities pays dividends in overall organisational success.
Providing training on digital communication skills and creating an informal space for casual interactions is also handy. Digital literacy should be prioritised in the modern workplace, with training and support provided to enhance employees’ digital proficiency. Moreover, implementing training programmes that emphasise the importance of active listening skills can enhance communication between teams. It is often a great idea to begin with line manager training so they can lead by example and establish teams that feel valued and heard.
Understanding the spectrum of neurodiversity can be a crucial step in establishing effective communication. By educating your employees on the wide range of neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, you will create a workplace where your workers know how to empathise and adapt their communication styles to accommodate to individual needs, encouraging inclusive communication practices.
Workplace training on cultural sensitivity, equality, diversity, and inclusion, can significantly enhance communication in the workplace. Educating your employees about different cultural norms, communication styles, and language nuances will create a more inclusive and understanding environment. Not only will it promote awareness, but also the development of cross-cultural communication skills.
