The average worker spends two thousand and eighty hours per year in the workplace. Communication in the workplace is often overlooked or not given as much importance as most people should admit, considering how much time is spent on it. Beyond more basic verbal speech, one must be aware of non-verbal symbols and noise that can have an effect on communication. There are also cultural, environmental and internal factors that can affect communication and its success. The different perceptions that an individual has developed over the course of their life can also affect communication. A person's ability to communicate effectively will determine the success and enjoyment that comes from their work. There are many symbols that people encounter when communicating. In a verbal exchange, there are abstract and concrete symbols. A concrete symbol represents a specific object (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, p. 10). There is little room for a person to interpret a concrete symbol or give it another meaning. If, for example, the concrete symbol is a television, there may be different types, but the word will have a common image in everyone's mind. Abstract symbols are those that represent ideas (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, p. 10). As Hybels and Weaver (2007) state, how these words are understood is based on the experiences of the person interpreting the words (p. 10). Take the word love; Most people will have different ideas and feelings about what the word love means. When abstract words are used over concrete words in the workplace, it can lead to more misunderstandings or misunderstandings. If a person has a very positive understanding of an abstract word, bu...... middle of paper ......cation. It's important to be aware of all these different factors. Most importantly, it is essential to know that not all communications will end in a positive outcome and to know when a specific communication should be cut off so that there are no long-term effects of poor communication. Being a well-rounded communicator is not only vital to a successful career, but can also make the difference when it comes to promotions and raises. Works CitedAnita Bruzzese. (March 20, 2010). At work: Nonverbal cues can give you the advantage in the office. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved May 9, 2010 from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 1988454201).culture. (2010). In the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved May 9, 2010 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultureHybels, S. and Weaver II, RL (2007). Communicating Effectively (8th ed.) Boston: McGraw Hill.