Chaotic meetings, glitchy connections and poor-quality audio are doing more than just wasting time in UK workplaces — they’re costing professionals career opportunities and confidence.
That’s the stark warning from a new study revealing how a lack of reliable communication tools is undermining productivity, damaging relationships and leaving workers feeling overlooked and undervalued.
With hybrid and remote working commonplace, workplace communication tools are under unprecedented pressure. According to the study, 80% of workplace meetings involve at least one virtual participant, yet many organisations are failing to provide staff with reliable tools to ensure these conversations run smoothly. The result is frustration, inefficiency and, for some, missed opportunities for career growth.
The study, carried out by Jabra, a company specialising in professional audio, video and collaboration solutions, surveyed 2,000 UK knowledge workers as part of a broader global analysis. It found that a significant proportion of employees feel their working lives are being compromised by substandard communication technology.
Misunderstandings and Missed Opportunities
More than a third (35%) of UK knowledge workers say poor audio or video quality is the biggest cause of misunderstanding when using workplace communication tools. This ranks higher than the 33% who pointed to chaotic conversations where multiple people speak at once as the leading problem.
“Too many UK workers are still being held back by poor-quality audio and video – spending valuable time clarifying conversations, second-guessing what was said or, worse, missing key details altogether,” said Nigel Dunn, vice president and managing director of EMEA North at Jabra.
“Misunderstandings caused by unclear speech, people talking over each other, or glitchy connections don’t just derail meetings; they chip away at confidence, strain working relationships, and can even lead to individuals stalling in their careers. It’s what we call ‘muted potential’ in action,” he said.
The human impact is considerable. A quarter of UK workers admit to feeling misunderstood due to communication tools, while 24% say they routinely spend extra time clarifying their points after meetings. Nearly one in five (18%) confess to missing important details or deadlines as a result of these technical failings.
Perhaps most concerning, one in five workers (22%) report that these communication issues have made them feel embarrassed or less confident in front of their peers. A further 14% believe these problems have negatively affected their career progression, leading to missed professional opportunities.
Wariness Towards AI in the Workplace
The research also explored attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace — particularly those designed to support productivity through functions like meeting transcription and information summarisation. It found a clear sense of mistrust remains, with 93% of UK workers preferring to rely on human colleagues over AI tools for communication.
This is in line with German workers (93%) and slightly ahead of French (90%) and US employees (88%). More than half (55%) of British workers trust human-generated information over AI-generated content.
“Many people still place more trust in human communication than AI despite its potential to boost productivity,” said Dunn. “But to truly benefit, we need to start with the basics and enable employees to communicate clearly with total confidence that they can be heard accurately, whether speaking to a colleague, a virtual assistant or relying on transcription tools.”
What Employers Can Do
Experts suggest that addressing these communication issues is both a practical and strategic imperative for organisations keen to support employee wellbeing, engagement and retention.
Among some recommended actions for employers:
- Audit Communication Tools
Regularly review the quality and performance of your organisation’s audio and video technology. Many legacy systems are no longer fit for purpose in today’s hybrid working world. - Standardise Equipment Across Teams
Where possible, ensure that all employees, whether remote or office-based, have access to consistent, high-quality headsets, webcams and collaboration software. - Provide Training on Virtual Meeting Etiquette
Many communication breakdowns occur due to unclear expectations around virtual meeting behaviour. Experts suggest offering short, practical workshops on video call etiquette, including tips for reducing crosstalk and handling technical glitches. - Consider Hybrid-Friendly Meeting Formats
Adopt meeting practices that make virtual attendees feel as included as those in the room. It could involve designated facilitators, structured speaking orders or breakout sessions for smaller group discussions. - Engage Employees in Technology Choices
Allow staff to provide feedback on existing tools and trial new options. User experience should play a significant role in technology procurement decisions.
The Business Case For Change
Beyond the obvious productivity gains, observers argue that effective communication tools have a significant impact on employee wellbeing. The frustration, embarrassment and lost confidence caused by poor virtual meetings can contribute to stress and dissatisfaction at work — factors closely linked to employee turnover.
And, say workplace experts, businesses risk limiting the career progression of individuals who are less able to navigate these technological hurdles, thereby undermining diversity and inclusion efforts.
Observers agree that by investing in better communication tools, clearer meeting protocols and hybrid-friendly practices, organisations can boost productivity, improve wellbeing and unlock the full potential of their people.