A new survey by workplace expert Acas has revealed that nearly a third (31%) of employees dislike using video calls at work, with other communication methods also causing frustration among workers.

The survey asked employees which methods of workplace communication they found most irritating. The results showed:

  • 31% of employees dislike video calls.
  • 25% find messaging apps such as Teams and Zoom irritating.
  • 21% dislike phone calls.
  • 11% even find face-to-face conversations frustrating.

While most employees are comfortable with various communication methods, these findings highlight that preferences vary significantly in the workplace.


Finding the Right Balance 

Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis commented on the findings:

“The way we communicate at work can impact us all. Our survey reveals that most employees are fine with different types of communication, but it is clear that for some people a particular method is better.

“We know good communication is really important to business success. The key for bosses is talking to staff to find out what works for them as well as the business, and finding solutions that encourage people to talk to each other most effectively.”

The Importance of Communication Flexibility 

The survey results suggest that you should be mindful of how communication methods in your business’ workplace affect productivity and employee satisfaction. Relying too heavily on one form of communication, particularly video calls or instant messaging, could lead to frustration among your staff.

You can take proactive steps to ensure workplace communication remains effective by:

  • Offering a mix of communication options to suit different preferences.
  • Encouraging teams to agree on preferred methods for different types of discussions.
  • Being mindful of “video call fatigue” and not overusing virtual meetings.
  • Ensuring that communication remains clear, concise, and purposeful.

By taking these considerations into account, you can create a more efficient and comfortable working environment that supports employee engagement and productivity.

See: https://www.acas.org.uk/video-calls-most-irritating-form-of-workplace-communication