Bridging the Communication Gap: How to Overcome This Common Obstacle in the Workplace

Bridging the Communication Gap How to Overcome This Common Obstacle in the Workplace

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Ossian Muscad

Do you feel like there’s a gap in communication at work? You’re not alone. In fact, many professionals say that communication issues are the number one cause of workplace failures. But don’t worry—there are ways to overcome these obstacles and improve communication between teams and management. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what communication gaps are, why they matter, and how you can start bridging the gap today.

 

What is a Workplace Communication Gap?

A communication gap is simply a communication breakdown. This can happen for various reasons but often occurs when team members are not on the same page or when there is a lack of clarity around expectations. A communication gap happens when the receiver of the information misunderstands the speaker’s intention or meaning. When a misunderstanding occurs, it can lead to frustration, conflict, and even decreased productivity.

Keep in mind that communication gaps are not limited to miscommunicated instructions. Almost any type of communication can be impacted, including written communications like emails, text messages, and social media posts.

 

Why Acknowledging Communication Gaps Matter?

A communication gap can have a negative impact on both the individual and the organization as a whole. For individuals, a communication gap can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even anxiety. In addition, when team members cannot communicate effectively, conflict can lead to conflict.

On a larger scale, communication gaps can significantly impact an organization’s bottom line. For example, a US Department of Commerce study found that communication breakdowns cost businesses billions of dollars each year. In fact, poor communication is one of the leading causes of project failure.

If left unaddressed, communication gaps can have a ripple effect on an entire organization. Employees not communicating effectively can lead to

  • Decreased productivity
  • Inefficient workflows
  • Duplication of effort
  • Missed deadlines
  • Increased stress levels
  • Poor morale

 

As you can see, communication is critical to the success of any organization. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome communication gaps and improve workplace communication.

 

Causes of Communication Gap

No business is safe from communication gaps. The best way to combat any communication gap is to know what causes them in the first place. Here are some of the most common causes of communication gaps in the workplace:

 

Lapse in Concentration

A simple lapse in concentration can cause a communication gap. This is especially true if the speaker is not speaking clearly or if the listener is multitasking. If you start to zone out, it’s important to ask questions so you can fully understand the message.

 

Lack of Clarity

Lack of clarity is often the root cause of communication breakdowns. This can happen when team members are unclear about their roles and responsibilities or when expectations are not properly communicated. When there is a lack of clarity, it’s important to ask questions and seek clarification.

 

Different Communication Styles

People communicate in different ways. Some people are more direct, while others may be more passive. The key to effective communication is understanding the communication style of the person you’re speaking to and adapting your style accordingly.

 

Language Barriers

If team members come from different cultures or speak different languages, it’s important to take extra care to ensure that the message is clear. If possible, use simple language and avoid jargon. You may also want to consider using translation services or hiring bilingual employees.

 

Technology Issues

In today’s world, technology is often used to communicate. However, technology can also be a source of communication breakdowns. This is especially true if team members are not familiar with the tools being used or if there is a technical issue. Therefore, when using technology to communicate, it’s important to keep things simple and test the system before sending a message.

 

How to Overcome Communication Gaps

Every workplace is different, so how you resolve communication gaps will depend on what works best for your organization. However, from a holistic standpoint, you should consider focusing on a few core guidelines like the following:

 

Set Baseline Standards for Company Communications

Establish an official communication policy for your organization. This policy should cover things like the use of email, instant messaging, and video conferencing. The policy should also establish communication standards, such as clear and concise language.

 

Encourage Open Communication

Communication gaps often occur when team members are afraid to speak up. As a leader, it’s important to encourage open communication and create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. 

Creating an environment conducive to free-flowing communication is also important as it encourages people to speak up, especially when they feel like they misunderstood an instruction or a co-worker.

 

Provide training on Effective Communication

One of the best ways to overcome communication gaps is to provide training on effective communication. This training should cover active listening, communicating across cultures, and using technology to communicate.

 

Encourage Feedback

Finally, it’s important to encourage feedback. This includes both positive and negative feedback. Feedback can help you identify communication gaps and take steps to resolve them. It can also help team members improve their communication skills.

 

Overcome Communication Gaps with DATAMYTE

Any communication gap can be detrimental to your business. The best way to mitigate communication gaps is to create workflows and policies that ensure everyone is on the same page. DATAMYTE can help you do just that. With our Digital Clipboard, you can create workflows that send real-time updates to management and team members. That way, everyone is always up-to-date on the latest changes in your process.

The DataMyte Digital Clipboard lets you create comprehensive workflows, digital checklists, and other forms that will be relevant in enforcing communication standards in your organization. Through these mediums, you can establish an effective way of transmitting data and information across your organization to ensure that communication gaps are plugged in.

In addition, the DataMyte Digital Clipboard also allows you to create digital signatures that will ensure the accuracy of the data collected. By having a digital signature, you can be sure that the information collected is accurate and free from human error.

Try DATAMYTE’s Digital Clipboard today and see how effectively it can bridge communication gaps in your organization. Schedule a demo with us today!

 

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to solving communication gaps. The key is to identify the communication issue in your workplace and take steps to resolve them. By setting baseline standards, encouraging open communication, providing training, and encouraging feedback, you can overcome this and improve your team’s communication.

 

 

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