Having trouble navigating the remote life?
Well, here are a few guides to help better communicate.
Having trouble navigating the remote life? Well, here are a few guides to help better communicate.
With the global need for remote working, companies have to make “Work From Home” work. According to research data by the National Bureau of Economic Research, there was an overall 13% increase in productivity while working from home. However, this shift might be challenging for companies requiring constant communication.
Thoughtfulness and consideration are two key points to consider while going digital in any organization. One must always keep in mind that the kind of subtle communication you get in office might not necessarily be reflected in your remote workplace. Here are some tips that might help you make virtual communication better.
- Using the right Chat Tools
Using a chat tool that is engaging and fun-to-use can help everyone in the team stay informed and also contribute in making decisions(in their own time).
Slack is one of the most popular chat tools that is best known for its top-notch functionality and versatility. Slack connects team members ensuring no decision is ever lost. The availability of graphics and social emojis makes Slack a friendly and easy-to-use tool providing a positive environment to communicate. With functionalities like conversation thread, integrated file sharing, direct messaging and third-party app integration, Slack has proved to be a reigning powerhouse in the world of team messengers.
However, for small organizations and start-ups with minimum resources, exploring alternatives other than slack is recommended considering the cost and availability of resources. Some of the best alternatives for Slack can be Hangouts Chat, Chanty, Microsoft Teams, Discord.
2. Virtual Meetings
While at the office, we often conduct meetings to discuss a certain issue. On the other hand, while working digitally, video conferencing is one of the cornerstones to mimic the meetings conducted at our offices. It takes a company one step ahead of being a remote company.
There are numerous video conferencing applications and software. Zoom is one of the most feature-rich and popular video conferencing tool for various businesses. Based on the size and needs of our businesses, Zoom provides multiple packages accordingly. So, any level of organization can benefit from Zoom. While conducting video calls, Zoom allows text chat(both individually as well as in group), screen share, and remote control. Other than that, it facilitates users with features like scheduling calls, unlimited meeting length(paid).
Alternatives for Zoom are Google Meet, Skype for Business, etc.
3. Know when to Message Vs. Video Call
It is important to maintain communication between co-workers but it is equally essential to know which issue requires to be discussed thoroughly. At many times during non-verbal communication, people perceive constructive feedback negatively due to the absence of emotional cues. This can lead to misunderstanding among team workers which might ultimately hamper the company’s growth. On the other hand, constant requests for video conferencing can lead to a disturbing work environment and result in frustration. Hence, one must always keep in mind the medium and requirement while communicating digitally.
4. Establish a Structure
To create a uniform communication flow while working remotely, we should establish a structured and well-planned process for meetings or any other important updates. It might include scheduling a meeting beforehand or notifying everyone through SMS.
As more and more of our communication happens digitally, we are surely going to face new challenges. Only through consistent effort, dedicated mindset, correct tools, and developing a communication skill that reflects the high demand for remote work, we can find a solution.