English proficiency plays a crucial role in determining employability, job performance, and career advancement in the contemporary workplace. In India, a large number of young professionals enter the workforce with English as a Second Language (ESL), often encountering significant communication challenges. The present study aims to examine the workplace communication challenges faced by ESL youth in Bhopal district, with special emphasis on spoken, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Using a descriptive and analytical research design, data were collected from ESL youth employed in various sectors such as corporate offices, service industries, and informal workplaces through questionnaires and interviews. The study identifies major challenges, including lack of fluency, pronunciation difficulties, limited vocabulary, grammatical inaccuracies, fear of interaction with seniors and clients, and communication anxiety. Findings reveal that inadequate exposure to practical English during formal education and socio-linguistic factors significantly hinder effective workplace communication. The study emphasises the need for workplace-oriented English training programs, curriculum reforms, and employer-supported language development initiatives. This research contributes to understanding the gap between academic English learning and professional communication requirements and offers practical recommendations to enhance workplace communication competence among ESL youth.
Dr. Chetna Ray (Fri,) studied this question.