Your messages shouldn't be too confusing or wordy for your team members to understand. You should also review the tone of your message before sending it off. If you think there is even a small chance your message might be misinterpreted, it's best to over-communicate and explain yourself.
Communication is crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity and ensuring remote workers feel a sense of belonging within the company.
Some types of remote communication include, but aren't limited to: Video Conferencing (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet) Asynchronous Video Messaging (via screencasts & webcam recordings) Instant Messaging (Slack, Microsoft Teams)
The most popular forms of remote communication include basic tools like email, chat, intranets, video conferencing and work collaboration tools all the way up to all-encompassing remote work ecosystems like unified digital workplace platforms.
Avoid Boring Text Documents by Using Pictures and Visuals
Nobody likes reading a wall of text at the best of times.
But when you’re working remotely, it can be extra easy to skim.
Instead ensure to make sure all documents are visual and engaging.
Make use of headers, pops of color, images, and even infographics.
A well placed icon or splash of color can elevate your document, and make people want to read .
Be Prepared to Adapt to The Challenges of Remote Work
Remote work comes with its own set of challenges.
Especially if you’ve only ever worked in “in office” roles, adapting to setting your own schedule, moving your communications digital, and learning that you can’t actually be very productive from bed can be difficult.
But if you’re aware of the difficulties you’ll be more prepared to face them.
Create An Office Culture Online
If your office went full time remote, what would you miss the most.
The people, most likely.
Company cultureis a huge contributor to good work environments.
A lot of that culture is formed in how people treat each other.
This could mean a quick chat whilst making coffee or after work happy hour.
Employees like to feel valued.
Ensure Regular Check-Ins with Your Remote Team
Remote working can be lonely.
It’s important to regularly check in with your team.
At Venngage we have video meetings using Google Hangoutsto go through work, ideas, and just to catch up.
We plan two meetings a week, but are always open to adhoc calls if somebody wants to run some ideas through.
How do you maintain effective communication skills from remote locations?
Here are 10 expert-backed tips on how to maintain effective communication skills from remote locations so business can continue as usual:
Be proactive in communicating with your team.
Schedule daily huddles.
Set expectations from the start.
Ask for communication preferences.
Avoid the temptation to micromanage.
Adopt new communication tools. How does remote work affect communication?
Remote work caused workers to spend more time using asynchronous forms of communication, such as:
email and message platforms and less time having synchronous conversations in person by phone or by video conference. How to work remotely?
How to Successfully Work Remotely.
In the absence of seeing your team and colleagues on a daily basis, it’s easy to take your normal communication levels for granted.
When you work from home, you must be proactive in keeping lines of communication open so no one feels isolated or left in the dark.
Invest in Collaborative Software and Communication Technology
If some of your best ideas come from throwing things around with your team, remote working might seem like a disaster for you.
But with good collaborative softwareyou can recreate that “in office” experience.
At Venngage we use a combination of Slack for messages and Google Hangouts for video calls.
Almost on a daily basis somebody will message the.
Present Pitches and Ideas Visually
Presenting ideas in person is so much more than just a slide deck.
The energy in the room, the confidence in your voice, and even how many people are present can make a huge difference to how your presentation is received.
But when you’re presenting online.
It’s harder to convey that energy.
That’s why is can be more effectively to communicate visu.
Set Clear Deadlines and Outline Expectations
When working remotely it’s very easy to be lured into procrastination.
Unless you have a dedicated in-house office, you’re probably working from your bedroom, kitchen, or living room.
Avoid possible distractions by setting very clear deadlines and expectations of remote work.
Check in frequently to make sure these deadlines are being met.
At Vennga.
Set Up Communications Guidelines
Another key element of working remotely is having clear guidelines on communication.
Your guidelines don’t have to be difficult.
Just confirm what sort of communication is appropriate and when.
For example, you could use Slack for general chatting but ask that all decisions or official matters are noted by email.
You might ask for messages to only .
Use Diagrams and Visuals to Ensure Processes Are Fully Understood
When I’m trying to explain a process or an idea, I wave my hands about a lot.
Sometimes I doodle on a piece of paper.
And I know if my explanation is making sense by checking the persons reaction.
How does this translate to remote work.
A diagramcan be the solution.
Diagrams are designed to be easy to understand, and can be a great way to communica.
What is the best way to communicate with remote coworkers?
While there are many platforms that make communicating with remote coworkers possible, not all communication platforms serve the same need.
For example, an instant messaging platform (like Slack) is best for short messages that need a fairly immediate response.
