Communication in the workplace is in crisis. Emails are ignored, acknowledgements are rare, and basic etiquette is vanishing. This decline isn’t limited to any particular age group – everyone is affected. Understanding this trend requires a deep dive into behavioural issues, the disruptive power of social media, and the impact of generational shifts and evolving work environments.
After numerous discussions managers in Bahrain and in the region, both local and international, picking the brains of diverse groups, I have come to this conclusion that I share with you today.
Firstly, social media has reshaped how we communicate. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram push us toward quick, superficial interactions. This conditioning spills over into our professional lives, where the expectation for instant responses has led to a disregard for thoughtful, respectful communication. Emails are treated like fleeting social media posts, neglected and undervalued. A study by Robert Half revealed that 87 per cent of employees feel inundated by emails, causing important messages to be overlooked or delayed. This overload reflects a deeper problem: we are struggling to manage the sheer volume of digital communication.
Secondly, generational misunderstandings have come to a peak with workplace history witnessing the largest generational diversity never before. Yet, blaming one generation for the decline in communication standards misses the mark. Millennials and Gen Z may favour quick, informal messages, but older generations are equally influenced by the convenience of digital tools. The problem is universal: we’re all guilty of prioritising speed over substance, leading to a culture where ignoring emails and failing to acknowledge messages has become disturbingly normal.
Thirdly, post-Covid-19 experiences of remote work and digital overload is a large player in this dilemma. The rise of remote work has worsened communication issues. Without face-to-face interactions, there’s a sense of disconnection and decreased accountability. Digital communication tools, meant to bridge these gaps, often become overwhelming.
Accentuated by cultural nuances, particularly in the Arab world, avoiding direct refusals complicates communication further. To maintain harmony, people often ignore messages instead of directly saying “no.” This cultural practice, while respectful, leads to misunderstandings and delays in professional settings.
Having explored the many reasons, the impact on workplaces is tremendously adverse to then basics of teams and workplace productivity. Poor communication isn’t just inconvenient – it’s destructive. It breeds misunderstandings, hampers teamwork, and makes employees feel undervalued and ignored. The erosion of communication standards can create a toxic work environment, filled with frustration and disengagement. As George Bernard Shaw put it, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Gallup has conducted extensive research on employee engagement and communication. Their studies show that poor communication is a significant factor in low employee engagement and productivity. Effective communication is linked to higher levels of employee satisfaction and performance.
Addressing this crisis requires bold actions and a commitment to fostering better communication. Here are five strategies to improve workplace communication. We firstly need to set clear expectations and define and enforce communication protocols, while establishing acceptable response times and ensuring everyone understands the importance of timely and respectful communication. Secondly, we need to use technology wisely and implement collaborative tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to streamline communication while ensuring these tools enhance communication rather than overwhelm it. Thirdly, organisations need to provide comprehensive programmes focused on effective communication skills, including email etiquette, the importance of acknowledgements, and strategies for managing digital communication overload.
Fourthly, we need to foster a culture of that values and respects communication. Recognise and reward employees who consistently demonstrate excellent communication practices. Last but not least, is the need to address cultural differences, while tackling cultural communication styles head-on. This can be done for diverse culture or generational backgrounds, by providing guidance on navigating cultural differences and encouraging open discussions about communication expectations.
By adopting these strategies, organisations can reverse the decline in communication standards and create a more engaged and productive workforce. It’s time to prioritize substance over speed and reclaim the art of effective communication in the workplace.
Join us next month for another edition of Workplace Watch, where we’ll explore more trends shaping the future of work. Until then, keep growing, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
(The author is a growth advocate)
&uuid=(email))