11. Challenges to Communication in the Workplace

Barriers to communication can be evident when people are in a face-to-face situation. Clues which indicate a barrier to getting the message across may include: 

  • Unreceptive attitude: minimal eye contact, folded arms.  
  • Several meetings/interviews about the same issue. 
  • Lack of engagement - uncommunicative. 
  • Heavy breathing. 
  • Fidgeting/nervousness. 
  • Puzzled facial expressions. 
  • Finger tapping on the table. 
  • Shrugging shoulders. 
  • Hands shaking.  

In addition to barriers present in face-to-face interactions, there may be other barriers such as: 

  • The organisation’s structure.
  • The workplace culture. 
  • The organisation’s policies and procedures. 
  • The cultural heritage of the workers. 
  • The emotions of staff.