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Mohita switched jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. She used to work as a product engineer at an established tech giant. But the pandemic made her apply to a much smaller, fairly new digital marketing studio. In her old organization, business communication was streamlined, but tedious, following both informal and formal channels.
However, in her new role, she received communication training and realized that the organization’s digital communication channel is far quicker, simple and good for tracking.
She faced several technological barriers in communication in her old job. Not only was there no digital communication tool—except email—but she was also not trained in how to communicate internally or externally.
Even if the world has adopted technology in almost every aspect, we are far from perfecting it. Communication, one of the most basic and most important workplace skills, is often hindered due to technology barriers. Read on to learn more!
Technological Barriers Of Communication
In business, organizations encounter several technological barriers in communication. Some are obvious like poor internet or obsolete hardware. But others like language barriers aren’t as easy to identify but are equally potent.
For instance, remote workers now work from different cities or even countries. Employees may have to connect with a colleague who’s from a different culture. Understanding their language over the phone or video call can be a challenge if they’re not familiar with it. A technological barrier can be overcome if the right training is given.
If your organization is moving its communication entirely online, it’s possible your employees take time to get the hang of it. They need proper training and familiarity with the new software for overcoming technology barriers.
Here are some common technology barriers in communication:
1. Outdated Technological Systems
With emerging technology, there is new and improved software to ease business communication. However, organizations may be using an outdated system that lags, doesn’t allow more than a certain number of people to join a call or maybe doesn’t have a video feature. This can disrupt communication because it limits an employee’s ability to interact with colleagues, hold town hall events or present to clients.
2. Limiting Access Across Functions And Levels
Most organizations limit access to communication based on levels of authority. In most cases, this is necessary unless it’s a flat organization with flexible roles. But this can also act as a technological barrier. If some employees can’t access the communication channel whereas others can, it not only impacts their work but also demotivates them. Communication should be open and honest, whether in-person or online.
3. A Packed Inbox
Another glaring example of technology barriers is a packed inbox. It may not seem like it but an overflowing inbox can affect your work. Managers or associates may miss out on some urgent emails or communication from a coworker or senior. A junior may need clarification on a task that a manager might completely overlook. This can have serious implications unless they’re up to date with their emails.
Technological barriers of communication can hamper the business if not addressed on time. There are several ways to improve communication and make it more effective.
How To Overcome Technological Barriers To Communication
First, decision makers need to recognize there is a technological barrier to communication. For instance, an employee who’s recently joined your organization has to jump on a call with their manager. But they don’t have their login details. They will need to quickly reach out to the HR manager and request credentials. As expected, they enter the virtual meeting room late.
Overcoming a technological barrier isn’t difficult if organizations recognize the problem. Here’s how to navigate technological barriers to communication:
- Offer training and development opportunities to employees to help them tackle technological difficulties while communicating
- Adopt new and improved digital communication channels like Zoom, Slack and others to streamline interaction, engagement and collaboration
- Use tools for translations and interpretations in case the need of the business is interacting with international and foreign clients or teams
You can help your teams succeed with the right communication skills and training. More than the software, employees need to be familiar with how to use it to their advantage.
Harappa’s Confident Communication Program is built to deliver seven crucial learning outcomes for professionals. They’ll learn how to communicate with impact, articulate ideas and build relationships. One of the key learning outcomes is leveraging moments of communication to leave an enduring impression. Not only will this enable professionals to overcome a technological barrier but also make the most of their virtual meetings. Our application-oriented approach and rockstar faculty will guide our learners throughout the 15-week learning journey.
Built on a framework for success, the Confident Communication Program combines 10 key elements across three critical stages—Activate, Cultivate and Elevate. This will drive our learners to deliver impactful outcomes and achieve peak performance. Enroll your team today and witness them transform into powerful communicators.
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Organizational Barriers To Communication, Barriers Of Communication, Barriers Of Listening Skills and Perceptual Barriers Of Communication that will help organizations tap into employee potential.
