How do you engage your remote teams? Over the last decade, more people began to work remotely.
However, the number of people returning to the office is decreasing, and many prefer a hybrid option that combines working in the office with working from home.
Remote communication clearly has its challenges, and as a manager, it is critical to stay current on telecommuting methods and use them to your advantage. Even the most experienced manager may find the transition from a physical shared workspace to a network of virtual offices difficult.
Suck in all of the possibilities? Consider the following examples for inspiration and guidance in adjusting the dynamics of your remote teams.
What exactly is effective remote communication?
Remote communication refers to all of the methods by which employees who work from home can communicate with their coworkers and complete their tasks.
Remote communication technologies range from simple email, chat, intranets, video conferencing, and work collaboration tools to all-encompassing remote work ecosystems such as unified digital workplace platforms. Strong communication is the foundation of a well-oiled team; when those team members aren't in the same office, remote communication tools become critical.
Consider how employees might interact with one another if they work in the same office. They attend regular meetings and brainstorming sessions, chat with coworkers in the break room, or walk up to a colleague's desk to clarify something.
But how can you form all of these important relationships if you don't work in the same office as your teammates and don't see them on a regular basis? Teams that are dispersed may find it difficult to communicate with one another, but it is not impossible.
Good communication can bring people in different groups closer together and help them work better together.
Communication issues with remote teams
When communication breaks down and people feel disconnected from their coworkers, their performance suffers. As team members' relationships deteriorate, so does their morale, which has a direct impact on how well they do their jobs.
Many communication issues confront remote teams, including:
There was little to no interaction with other team members.
Working across time zones.
Technical issues, such as a slow internet connection and a lack of communication tools.
There is no work-life balance.
Miscommunications among team members that result in disagreements.
|>>> Learn more about how to effectively listen to the needs of your employees. [6 Tips]
Tips for Effective Remote Team Communication
1. Be concise and clear.
Make sure your instructions are clear and simple to follow. Take the time to explain any complicated concepts that require it.
Because it includes all of the features and analytic tools you'll need to make your remote work communications strategy a success, a unified digital workplace platform is the most comprehensive option for implementing it. When you speak to someone face to face, your body language enhances the meaning of your words.
2. Exercise patience
Allow time for members of the team to ask questions and provide feedback. Do not try to rush the conversation. It may be difficult to understand the context of what you're saying if there are no verbal or nonverbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions. Your words may come across as rude, hurried, or insensitive.
If there is even a remote possibility that your message was misconstrued, you must clear the air and explain what you meant. You can also use emojis to provide more information about what you're discussing.
3. Make use of video conferencing tools
This option can help team members feel more connected and makes complex topics easier to discuss. Take advantage of technology.
There are numerous tools and technologies available to assist you in effectively communicating with your team. To stay connected and on track, use video conferencing, chat tools, and project management software. It's simple to get to know your coworkers when you work in a real office.
4. Establish regular check-ins.
Regular check-ins allow you to discuss progress, provide feedback, and answer any questions team members may have.
When working on a project, having a clear schedule for the coming weeks or months can make it easier to collaborate with your remote teammates. This would make it easier for the team to communicate and collaborate.
As a result, you should create a virtual schedule or plan for your workspace where people can check in on progress.
5. Ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Before beginning a project, make certain that everyone understands the goals and objectives. This will aid in ensuring that everyone is working toward the same goal. A messaging system would allow employees to gather all information quickly and easily.
6. Invest in internal communication tools.
If your company does not already have an internal messaging system, now is a great time to start one. It would be beneficial if you continued to have the many short conversations you're used to having in person, but in a different way. You could now send those conversations via email. But does anyone on your team want to receive more emails?
A shared chat environment would not only strengthen connections but would also perform updating tasks for the entire team. Simply pin important messages to the first page of the chat box, and everyone will notice.
7. Have fun and get to know new people.
It's easier to talk to coworkers when you have something in common with them, just like it is with office teams. Video meetings are frequently planned with a specific goal in mind, and the meeting topic is restricted to the meeting agenda. As a result, try to schedule some social gatherings where work isn't the main focus and people are encouraged to talk about their interests and hobbies.
Conclusion
If you manage a remote team, you should be aware of how to effectively communicate with them. You can ensure that your team is always on the same page and receiving the information they require by combining video conferencing, instant messaging, and email.
Most importantly, you take the time to learn how your team prefers to communicate and adjust your approach accordingly. You can ensure that distance is never an issue when keeping your team cohesive and productive with a little effort.