How to Improve Communication among Remote Teams

The art of communication is the language of leadership. – James Humes

Communication is an important aspect of our lives, and communication in business and the workplace is no exception. And if you’re part of a remote team, it is even more crucial!

Communication is the foundation of perhaps everything in human lives. However, there is a difference between communication and efficient communication.

In business, where many teams or workforces work remotely, efficient communication is the need of the hour.

Here are five super things that remote teams can do to make their communication strong and effective.

Improve communication skills

No communication channel will work if we don’t put effort into our communication skills. This means that it is important to express ourselves clearly. While we may find it easy to express ourselves socially, professional online interaction is very different. It needs to be doneeffectively, promptly, and concisely. One must try to convey theirpoint of view in asfewsentences as possible,and that too clearly. If the message conveyed might require a longer response, it is wise to switch to a phone call or video chat.

Use business chat apps

Also known as team messaging apps, business chat apps have given a new dimension to workplace communication. Chat apps offer real-time convenient communication, thus facilitating seamless and easy conversation. They can be used to send individual as well as group messages.

Business chat apps also minimize the need for meetings and allow teams to discuss ideas and seek clarification without wasting time. One can share files, conduct virtual meetings with video and audio calls, as well as collaborate with clients and different teams on a project.

Use of email

Though video chat apps and project management tools have reduced the need to use emails to a large extent, good old email is still in use and is not going to lose its lustre, at least not anytime in the near future.

With 72% of consumers still preferring emails as their source of business communication, the status of emails can’t be denied. They may not be as efficient as chat or video, but for professional communication, email is an active channel.

Get on video conferences

Video chats naturally help connect remote teams. But how would you decide whether a video meeting is necessary? Always remember the thumb rule – if a few sentences aren’t sufficient, then it is time to switch to a video call.

Besides, if you don’t see and meet your co-workers, a video call is the closest thing to interacting with them.

Organize staff meets

Team building is required even when you work remotely. The best way is obviouslyto organize team meets at least once in a few months (depending on the convenience of everyone). After all, we are human, and personal communication is vital to keep the work spirit going.

There are multiple ways to make office communication better even if teams are working remotely. All the channels mentioned above are powerful if used in the right way. Each has its pros and cons, but one thing is certain- they all fuel workplace communication in an idealway.