How To Improve Remote Work Communication: 5 Strategies
In the past few years, about 16% of global companies have adopted a new model of working called remote work. It refers to the practice of employees doing their jobs from a location other than the office, providing them with greater flexibility, freedom, and convenience. However, despite these benefits, there is one challenge to it and it is decreased communication.
Generally speaking, communication is vital for the success of any organization. When done right, it can increase employee engagement, boost productivity, and encourage collaboration between workers who can work together as a unit to achieve mutual business goals.
However, maintaining effective communication can be a bit harder when employees are working remotely. That’s why company managers need to employ various strategies to improve remote work communication between colleagues.
In this post, we outline five of the best strategies that can help your remote team stay connected digitally.
Invest in Employee Monitoring Software
Employee monitoring software is an application that helps managers monitor and tracks their employees’ productivity during work hours. Even if your workforce is skilled, you’ll still need to know how to manage them effectively.
Managers need to invest in reliable remote workers management software to have a clear picture of their employee’s performance, so they can plan and take efficient action on time. This will help increase the productivity of performance-driven teams, so they can achieve their goals more effectively. In addition, it helps you make data-driven decisions and save time, money, and resources, as well as making your employees more responsible.
Use the Right Communication Tools
One of the best ways to improve remote work communication is by using online communication tools. There is a wide range of instant messaging apps and video conferencing platforms you can rely on to stay connected with your workers digitally, each offering different features which can help boost your remote employees’ overall effectiveness.
Some of the most commonly used communication tools include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, and Google Hangouts. All of these apps can be used to chat with your employees, hold online meetings, do audio callings, and share files. Discord is another powerful tool worth considering. Whop offers a comprehensive guide on how to set up a Discord server.
Utilize Project Management Software
Another effective way to improve remote work communication is to utilize project management software. This software can be quite beneficial in keeping your virtual team connected and on track while working outside of the office setting.
In general, most project management software provide numerous features which optimize communication and facilitate collaboration between remote employees, including built-in chat, file sharing, scheduling, allocating resources, and assigning tasks and projects.
For example, if a team works on a project together, they can use the software’s discussion boards to post questions, solicit feedback and give updates on the project’s status.
Host Virtual Team Buildings
Hosting virtual team-building activities is another effective way to improve communication in remote teams. Through these activities, employees can enhance their bond with each other, build trust and learn how to collaborate to achieve mutual business goals. This will certainly make it easier for them to get along and communicate freely when they return back to the office.
Some team-building ideas you can consider for your next virtual event are:
- Office trivia night;
- Virtual happy hour with a theme;
- Video coffee dates;
- Lunch and learn sessions;
- Houseparty games;
- Holiday and birthday celebrations.
Be Conscious of Time Zones
Another reason why there is decreased communication in remote teams is that they work in different time zones. This can certainly make it a lot harder to set up meetings and keep everyone on the same page. Besides, you don’t want to bombard your remote workers with messages and calls early in the morning, especially if they are in another country.
In this case, it is best that you use tools that have built-in features that display when your employees were last online at their local time. In the meantime, you can find other tasks or ideas to work on until your virtual team is available.
Final Thoughts
Although maintaining effective communication in remote teams can be challenging, it isn’t impossible. There are plenty of strategies, tools, and apps you can rely on to help everyone stay connected and continue collaboration as if they are physically in the office. For more information, refer to our post and learn how to improve remote work communication.
