To build a healthy and productive work environment, you must build strong communication skills. Effective workplace communication builds positive bonds among coworkers and increases their collective efficiency. However, when people from different backgrounds work together, it is common to encounter communication barriers. 

To resolve the communication issues, one needs to recognize the barriers to communication in professional relationships. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the common communication barriers encountered in the workplace and combat them.

What are the Common Communication Barriers?

Cultural and Linguistic Difference

Multicultural and multilingual culture at work is desirable, but it may also cause communication differences. Different cultures have diverse guiding principles that dictate how an individual behaves and communicates with others. Cultural differences, if not identified, can create conflicts among coworkers. 

Similarly, when someone’s mother tongue differs, they may misunderstand the different phases and expressions used in their language. This may give rise to conflicts and complicate workplace relationships.

Lack of Clarity

One of the most critical aspects of effective communication is adequate clarity. To convey a clear message that is easily understandable by the listener, you need to make sure your message is crisp and specific. Get to the point without being condescending. On the other hand, too much formality can also stifle open communication.

Lack of Appropriate Communication Tools

If you and your team work remotely, you need proper tools for effective communication. Restricted information channels prevent you from communicating efficiently. One needs to build a culture of trust so that coworkers and employers can share information without any hesitation.

Disinterest and Disengagement

To understand what others are trying to communicate, one needs to give their undivided attention to the conversation. Getting distracted by a phone call or text message or engaging in a side conversation during a meeting can disrupt your concentration. As a result, you won’t be able to pick up on nonverbal cues, and you may miss out on valuable inflammation.

Information Overload

A new employee may not understand the unique communication style or the professional jargon you have in your workplace. This might complicate the information delivered to them, and they may not be able to identify the central message. As a result, you may end up sharing a lot of meaningless information without focusing on the key points.

Tips to Overcome Communication Barriers

Here are a few tips you can follow to bridge the communication barriers at work and allow you to harness the collective strength of your team.

• Be fully attentive when communicating with others.
• Be specific in the information you share. Avoid using excessive industrial jargon while communicating with a person new to the workplace.
• Avoid using expressions that people with diverse linguistic backgrounds cannot understand.
• Encourage questions.
• Develop your listening skills. Avoid speaking abruptly in the middle of a conversation. Wait for your turn to talk.

Conclusion

Effective communication can help build a positive ambiance in the workplace and promote teamwork and productivity. We hope this article helps you identify the common communication barriers at your work and overcome them efficiently.