COMMUNICATION ISSUES IN THE

WORKPLACE
Work has communication issues for many organizations. What is described as
‘communication barriers’ can be a common problem workplaces face:

1. EGO AND ATTITUDE

Often, teamwork is deterred due to one member’s attitude and ego. One worker may want
to take over discussions and prevent other members from speaking their minds. Another
might refuse to lose an argument and accept that another person might be right. Many
times, these people will refuse to accept that they are part of the problem. Egos and
attitudes within the team can then lead to resentment, misunderstandings, and friction.

The role of the manager is, therefore, important in making sure that the team focuses on
the work and issues at hand. Teamwork and true collaboration will only occur if
resolutions reflect the needs of everyone in the group.

Solution: Ensure that your staff are properly trained and understand the role that they have
to play in the team to understand their contribution to shared successes. You may need to
deliver specific, targeted training on interpersonal relationships, dealing with conflict, and
other “soft skills” if you identify this as one of the main workplace communication
issues in your company.

2. PASSIVE LISTENING
Passive listening is simply hearing what the other person has to say without truly
understanding it or empathizing. Often, you will see someone talking, replying, and
interrupting other people instead of truly listening to what others have to say. When people
fail to listen, they are unable to truly comprehend the message which is being relayed. This
then leads to misunderstandings and friction, which could then deter the workforce from
being creative and productive.

Before beginning a chat or interaction, make sure to stress the importance of active
listening. Tell your staff members how inattention and passive listening can prevent them
from learning about the different points of view and ideas that are present in the
workplace. Role model and set a good example by being an active listener yourself.

Solution: If you want to know how to solve communication problems in a team, you can
start by facilitating meaningful two-way dialogues and discussions where the rules
of engagement are clearly set out so that people have the chance to both listen and be
heard.
3. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Today’s workplace has become more diverse, especially if your organization deals with
international clients or has employees abroad. Although there is diversity in the workplace,
people still tend to be more persuaded by people from their same culture or backgrounds,
therefore, managers face the challenges of communicating with everyone as one cohesive
team while managing the dynamics involved in cliques and groups.

Try to mix people of different backgrounds together. Break up small groups and try to
have diverse people collaborate on brainstorming activities and projects. Also,
communication tools such as corporate desktop wallpaper software, newsletters, and email
can potentially decrease the impact of cultural differences. This is because communication
is written and is free from accents and impulsive biases and is; therefore, more thought
out.

Solution: Cultural awareness training can help large organizations with employees from a
variety of backgrounds better understand one another so that there are less
misunderstandings and communication issues in business.

4. POORLY WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

One of the most common communication problems in the workplace and solutions is
unclear and poorly written information. You may opt for different communication tools to
get your point across, such as corporate desktop wallpaper software, newsletters, and
memos; however, if your materials are poorly written, your messages might cause
confusion and frustration amongst your staff members.

Solution: Make sure to always proofread your copy before sending it. You may also opt to
ask a colleague to look through your work to help pinpoint any mistakes or typos. Ensure
that you use plain and concise language, free from jargon.

5. LACK OF INTEREST OR MOTIVATION

When people are not interested in what is being discussed, or they lack the motivation to
work hard, they are more likely to disregard or ignore your messages. While this means
that you certainly need to take a look at your internal communications, using tools such as
corporate desktop wallpaper software, the intranet, and others can help you reach your
staff members so that they feel more motivated and engaged in their work and in the
organization.

Solution: Look at delivering your internal communications using tools such as corporate
desktop wallpaper software, the intranet, and other more engaging methods that can help
you reach your employees in a way that makes them feel more motivated and engaged in
their work and in the organization.

APPLY MATH AND SCIENCE PRINCIPLES IN TECHNICAL

TRAINING

This unit covers the outcomes required to integrate math and

science concepts in the content and delivery of technical training
programs and to motivate trainees in learning and applying such
concepts in the workplace.

Technical education, the academic and vocational preparation of

students for jobs involving applied science and modern technology.
It emphasizes the understanding and practical application of basic
principles of science and mathematics, rather than the attainment of
proficiency in manual skills that is properly the concern of vocational
education. Technical education has as its objectives the preparation of
graduates for occupations that are classed above the skilled crafts but
below the scientific or engineering professions. People so employed are
frequently called technicians. Technical education is distinct
from professional education, which places major emphasis upon the
theories, understanding, and principles of a wide body of subject matter
designed to equip the graduate to practice authoritatively in such fields
as science, engineering, law, or medicine. Technical occupations are vital
in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, business administration,
computers and data processing, education, environmental and resource
management, graphic arts and industrial design, and health and
medicine; technical educational curricula are correspondingly specialized
over a broad range. Technical education is typically offered in post-high-
school curricula that are two years in length, are not designed to lead to
a bachelor’s degree, and are offered in a wide variety of institutions, such
as technical institutes, junior colleges, vocational schools, and regular
colleges and universities.

What do you need to know Where is the information What does the Unit of
about the work activity? found? Competency tell you?

What is the work activity? Title of the Unit of Apply Math and Science
Competency Principles in Technical
Training
What does the work activity
involve?
What skills are needed to
perform the work activity?
What level of skill is needed?
Unit Descriptor This unit covers the outcomes
required to integrate math and
science concepts in the content
and delivery of technical
training programs and to
motivate trainees in learning
and applying such concepts in
the workplace.
Elements In this unit there are four
(4) key skills to perform:
1. Identify math and
science manifestations in
the course content and the
workplace
2. Relate math and
science concepts to
common and workplace
situations
3. Assess trainees’
internalization of math
and science concepts
4. Introduce
further
enhancements
Performance Criteria 1. Identify math and science
manifestations in the course
content and the workplace
1.1 Review and study course
content and learning
outcomes for math and
science content
1.2 Identify situations in the
workplace and in everyday
life related to the course or
program for inclusion or
mention in the training
1.3 Prepare training aids,
lesson plans or session
notes, adopted or customized
incorporating or
highlighting applications of
math and science principles
2. Relate math and science
concepts to common and
workplace situations
2.1 Incorporate, explain and
stress practical applications of
math and science related to
the desired learning outcomes
during the training
2.2 Aid and encourage
trainees to identify and apply
math and science concepts in
their work and everyday life
2.3 Give class
examples/cases, exercises,
and assignments for trainees
to explore and reflect