Nonverbal Communication of Employees with Disabilities (Phenomenological Study of Employees with Disabilities at Isyarat Steam Motor Bandar Lampung)

Weni Safitri; M Denu Poyo; Budhi Waskito

doi:10.53697/iso.v5i2.2797

Authors

Weni Safitri Universitas Bandar Lampung
M Denu Poyo Universitas Bandar Lampung
Budhi Waskito Universitas Bandar Lampung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53697/iso.v5i2.2797

Keywords:

Deaf Employees, Disability, Nonverbal Communication, Phenomenology

Abstract

This study explores the use of nonverbal communication among employees with hearing disabilities at Isyarat Steam Motor Bandar Lampung. The study aims to understand how deaf employees interact with customers and managers using alternative communication strategies. As the importance of inclusion in the workplace increases, this study provides insights into how communication can be maintained effectively despite physical limitations. A qualitative method with a phenomenological approach was used to collect data through observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. Participants included deaf employees, customers, and business managers. The results showed that employees communicated nonverbally using BISINDO (Indonesian Sign Language), written messages, facial expressions, gestures, and mobile applications. These tools helped bridge communication gaps and supported smooth interactions in daily operations. Customers responded positively to these interactions, often expressing interest and appreciation for employees' ability to provide professional service. These findings confirm that nonverbal communication not only facilitates interactions in the workplace but also strengthens employees' sense of belonging and self-confidence. In conclusion, nonverbal communication plays a vital role in building an inclusive and respectful work environment, as well as promoting social and economic empowerment for people with disabilities

References

Afrilia, M.A., Sari, R.M., & Widodo, A.A. (2020). Interpersonal Communication. Deepublish.

Alhammadi, M.M. (2024). Availability of disability specialists for students with vision or hearing impairment in the United Arab Emirates: current status and future needs. Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology, 19(4), 1709–1717. ISSN 1748-3107. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2228827

Arndt, S.R. (2024). Case Study: Can Deaf Truck Drivers Be Trained in a Reasonably Safe Manner; An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Suit. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 68(1), 285–289. ISSN 1071-1813. https://doi.org/10.1177/10711813241275933

Aulia, D.N., Sinambela, M.P., & Mubarok, A. (2024). Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Social Interaction. UMSU Press.

Chelius, S. (2024). Exploring the job resources experienced by employees with hearing impairment in South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22. ISSN 1683-7584. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v22i0.2786

Dong, S. (2023). Workplace accommodation requests: Experiences of barriers and facilitators among deaf and hard-of-hearing. Work, 76(4), 1565–1578. ISSN 1051-9815. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-220632

Faniasari, I., & Manafe, G. (2022). Communication Strategy in Consumer Service. Journal of Communication and Business, 6(1), 45–58.

Forman, J. (2023). Creating a culture of inclusivity for employees with sensory disabilities: Best practices for organizations. Consulting Psychology Journal, 75(3), 225–239. ISSN 1065-9293. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpb0000226

Gantiano, D. (2019). Nonverbal Communication in Social Interaction. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 8(2), 120–127.

Grech, L.B. (2023). Furthering the person-first versus identity-first language debate. Australian Psychologist, 58(4), 223–232. ISSN 0005-0067. https://doi.org/10.1080/00050067.2023.2192863

Haliza, I., Irwanto, D., & Sari, A. (2020). Communication Understanding in Deaf Children. Journal of Special Education, 5(1), 22–31.

Hall, E.T. (1966). The Hidden Dimension. New York: Anchor Books.

Hopipah, N., & Khairi, L. (2022). Challenges for People with Disabilities in the World of Work. Journal of Social and Welfare, 4(2), 55–66.

Idaini, N. (2021). Social Inclusion and Education for Children with Special Needs. Indonesian Journal of Special Education, 2(1), 34–42.

Isma, N. (2018). Sign Language as the Identity of the Deaf Community. Journal of Linguistics and Communication, 3(2), 78–85.

DeVito, J.A. (n.d.). The Interpersonal Communication Book (14th ed.). Pearson Education.

Lyons, B.J. (2023). Disability severity, professional isolation perceptions, and career outcomes: When does leader–member exchange quality matter?. Journal of Management. ISSN 0149-2063. https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063221143714

Nindito, A. (2013). Alfred Schutz's Phenomenology and Its Relevance in Social Research. Journal of Sociotechnology, 12(3), 311–320.

Novita, A.W., Rahmawati, D., & Wahyuni, S. (2016). Service Quality and Consumer Loyalty. Journal of Economics and Business, 3(1), 40–48.

Persons with Disabilities. (2020). Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities.

Rahmi, Y. (2021). Interpersonal Communication from a Disability Perspective. Journal of Social and Cultural Communication, 5(1), 50–59.

Rakhmaniar, I. (2023). The Role of Nonverbal Communication in Team Collaboration. Journal of Psychology and Communication, 4(2), 44–53.

Rakhmaniar, I. (2024). Nonverbal Communication in an Inclusive Workplace. Journal of Social Innovation and Communication, 5(1), 61–70.

Sarmiati, E.R.R. (2019). Interpersonal and Nonverbal Communication in Social Relationships. Journal of Human Communication, 7(1), 12–23.

Zuriekat, M. (2024). The audiological rehabilitation of workers with hearing loss in the UK: a qualitative study of workers’ perspectives. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(17), 3946–3960. ISSN 0963-8288. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2261375