New research by Fierce Conversations and Quantum Workplace demonstrates that lack of communication and miscommunication are hurting employee morale and productivity. “For many of us, the biggest barrier to having high-quality conversations is that we’re afraid to share what we’re really thinking and feeling,” the research authors write.
More than eight in 10 respondents said that miscommunication at work happens very frequently, frequently or occasionally. But only half said that such miscommunication was their fault. When asked who should be responsible for reducing miscommunication at work, nearly one in three respondents said managers and supervisors were. Slightly more than half said that all employee groups were responsible.
The research found about half of employees don’t regularly speak their minds at work — whether to colleagues
or managers.
The research authors recommend creating an environment that supports everyone’s ideas. Show workers how their feedback is being used. “Employees need to see the impact their voices can make,” the authors write. “If you don’t respond with action or answers, employees will begin to realize that their voice really doesn’t matter and think, ‘What’s the point?’”
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