Every individual has a unique way of seeing the world. Since everyone is different when it comes to personality, professional role, or the organizational culture that they are used to, misunderstandings are bound to occur at one point or another.
However, miscommunications do not bode well in the business world as they can ruin the work environment, lead to immense monetary losses, and prove detrimental to the success of the individuals involved.
Below are some of the most common reasons why miscommunications arise in the workplace:
- Lack of engagement among employees
- Faulty management
- Lack of clarity when it comes to setting goals and objectives
- No or Improper Feedback
- Substandard interpersonal communication
- Poor Non-verbal communicative skills
To handle these effectively, businesses must ensure they have professionals and leaders who are immaculately trained in conflict resolution.
Below are some of the most common examples of workplace miscommunication:
1. "Compared to the work I put in, I’m earning peanuts."
What it means:
Employees feel they are not getting paid per the market standard which in turn makes them feel undervalued.
What can be done?
This feeling of being underpaid or not being valued can take a hit on employee morale leading them to feel increasingly burnt out and put lesser effort into their work. It is important to have clear communication about the pay policies with the employees to keep everything transparent. Listening to the grievances personally and discussing them also enhances the perception of the leaders and managers in the minds of the employees.
2. "There’s nothing exciting about the job I do. It’s so boring!"
What it means:
The employees are feeling burnt out due to the mundanity of the work.
What can be done?
As a leader, you must ensure that your employees feel motivated to work. It can be achieved when you make your employees feel that the work that they do is crucial for the business to run efficiently; they must believe that their work serves a higher purpose.
3. "It’ll be easier to do the whole thing myself instead of asking others to do it only for them to mess it all up."
What it means:
The employee does not trust others when it comes to successfully completing a task.
What can be done?
Effective teamwork is the essence of building a successful enterprise. If an employee feels they work better alone, irrespective of the task burden, there must be a reason. Leaders should have an honest discussion with them and get to know their thoughts to strategize an effective plan to promote a more collaborative work environment where every employee would get to voice their views instead of one person dominating the whole scene.
4. "Nobody gives a hoot about the growth of employees and what they are learning. All everyone is focused on is the profits."
What it means:
The organization is lacking in initiatives to promote employee learning and development.
What can be done?
The success mantra for any company is honing the talents and skills of its employees. Employees seek to work at companies that can help further their growth. Once they see there is no such opportunity, they lose their faith in the company. Companies must invest in policies to train and develop their employees, so they can avail greater opportunities in the future.
5. "I don’t think I am welcome here."
What it means:
There is a sense of hostility in my workplace that prevents me from interacting with others.
What can be done?
Employees can never give their best in an environment where they do not feel welcome. Such an environment can lead to seclusion and even depression. It is up to HRs and managers to take tangible steps to incorporate inclusivity in the workplace.
These are some of the most common examples of miscommunications that arise in the workplace but are definitely not limited to these. A well-strategized communication system can help businesses reach the zenith of success.
