---

LANGUAGE USE IN THE WORKPLACE: IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION AND PRODUCTIVITY

Fasae, Felicia Bosede Kehinde (Ph.D)

---

Download PDF

---

Abstract

Communication is the key to successful organizations as it opens the way to good relationship among employees and enhances productivity. Today’s organizations are characterized multilingualism where people from different languages and cultures are employed.  This gives rise to the need to annex employee communication needs for effective productivity.  This study assessed language use in the workplace, considering the implications on employee communication and productivity.  The study was reviewed by assessing the role of language in workplace communication, the 21^st century multilingual workplaces, cultural diversity and its impact on workplace language use, impact of language on employees’ productivity and efficiency, impact of effective use of language on employees’ communication and productivity, need for diversity and inclusion in the workplaces, and strategies for effective communication in the workplace.  Based on the review, it was concluded that effective language use in the workplace has positive implications for employee communication and productivity while language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns, negatively impacting on all members of the organization.  Recommendations, among others, are that employers should ensure/facilitate friendly workplace environment through teamwork and collaborative efforts among their employees, and organizations should train their workers in communication skills and the 21^st century office competencies to ensure global competitiveness among their staff.

Keywords:  Workplace, Language, Communication, Impact, Productivity.