Knowing how to break down cultural communication barriers in the workplace is essential to maintaining productivity. Fail to tackle this important goal and productivity losses will be almost certain. Thankfully, there are thousands of resources that discuss cross-cultural workplace communication, but just a few tips will make you a pro. Be aware and accept that biases and stereotypes about other cultures affect you - and everyone else. With this awareness, think before you speak, learn about other cultures, respect differences in others, and never be afraid to ask if something you said or did caused offense. This willingness to check yourself, turn around, walk back, poke your head in the door, and ask if something you just said or did was offensive is one foolproof way of heading off conflict, feeling more positive about your workplace, and enjoying your job more.