Are you failing to connect in the workplace? Have you ever felt misunderstood? If so, you’re not alone.

“Being misunderstood doesn’t mean you’re the issue… sometimes it’s the people that misunderstand you with all the issues” (unknown).

All too often, workplace communication lets us down. Ineffective human-to-human connection leads to employees feeling disengaged, dissatisfied, and frustrated. However, by identifying where we are going wrong, we can start to make meaningful changes.

Why are we failing to connect?

Here are five reasons:

1. We don’t use active listening skills. Too often, we are quick to interrupt and fail to focus or concentrate on what the other person is saying. As a result, misunderstandings arise, and communication strategies fall short.
2. We hide behind emails. While digital communication is convenient, wouldn’t it sometimes be easier to pick up the phone or speak to someone in person? Frequently, emails are misread or misinterpreted, causing the recipient to feel confused or even offended. Nonverbal communication skills, such as tone of voice and body language, are lost in written exchanges, making it difficult to convey emotions and intentions accurately.
3. We are easily distracted. We all know that multitasking doesn’t work, yet we still attempt to do it. With half an eye on a screen and the other half on the person speaking, authentic engagement becomes impossible. To genuinely connect, we must first disconnect from our gadgets and give people our undivided attention.
4. We rush. The modern disease of busyness often results in unhealthy communication habits. Instead of taking the time to check for understanding, we hurry through conversations, assuming others have understood the message. Ironically, slowing down and ensuring clarity upfront can save time in the long run.
5. We rely too much on jargon. Clunky, corporate vocabulary doesn’t build a genuine connection. Instead of using stock phrases and clichés, plain English is far more effective. Workplace communication training emphasises the importance of clear, straightforward language to enhance understanding and collaboration.

At our core, we crave human connection yet, we continue to take shortcuts in an attempt to save time, only to end up with disengagement, disconnection, and ultimately, poor productivity.

So, how can we improve workplace communication and foster meaningful relationships? A good starting point is to become more aware of our own habits, which means having an honest conversation with ourselves.

Communication strategies

Here are five simple yet effective communication strategies you can implement right now:

1. Listen actively by giving people your full attention.
2. Engage in face-to-face conversations whenever possible.
3. Eliminate distractions and be present in the moment.
4. Take your time and be patient with others.
5. Use plain, clear language to ensure understanding.

By making these small but powerful changes, you may find that your interactions become more productive, your relationships stronger, and your overall workplace experience more fulfilling. Go from failing to connect in the workplace, to connecting with confidence.

Give it a try and let us know if you had a better day as a result! Don’t forget to explore our website, read our blog, and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more about effective communication.