Remember when you communicated with colleagues at work only through memos, emails, and calls?
Now, new technologies have allowed workplace communication to evolve; it has even paved the way for remote work.
We can’t deny the impact of technology on workplace communication. With the evolution of technology came different collaboration tools, video conferencing, and instant messaging.
Technology helps you revolutionise workplace communication, here, we’ll look at how technology improves communication in the workplace and its role in enhancing quality communication.
24/7 Connection
True, having an always-on work culture because you’re tethered to a mobile device can harm productivity.
But look at it this way, these mobile telecommunications products allow you to pop out of work for emergencies or a doctor’s appointment.
You can now carry your work in your pocket, which gives you more flexibility. Also, you don’t have to hover around your laptop waiting for that important call or email.
Instant Messaging
Do you find back-and-forth email threads time-consuming and cumbersome? Well, you’re not alone. This is where instant messaging comes into play. Workplace communication has become more streamlined and efficient thanks to platforms like Google Chat, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
Instant messaging reduces the need for lengthy email threads, promoting real-time collaboration and fast responses. This level of efficiency leads to faster decision-making and improved productivity.
Also, these instant messaging platforms come with features like video calls, voice messaging, and file sharing. All these features help you improve workplace communication.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing has become a vital tool for workplace communication, thanks to the rise of remote work. Applications like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom have made it easier for you to collaborate and connect with your teammates from within and outside the office.
You also get more personal interactions with video conferencing than emails and phone calls. You can see who you’re talking to and pick up on body language and facial expressions. Picking up these visual cues helps reduce miscommunication, improve team bonding, and build trust.
Additionally, video conferencing eliminates the need to travel, saving time and resources. It’s easier to conduct training sessions, workshops, and meetings with teammates, partners, or clients from multiple locations.
Cloud-Based Collaboration
You can’t compare making edits to editorial conversations, especially when the document lets you know who made an edit and when, and you can revert to an earlier version. With cloud services like Microsoft Teams and Google Docs, you can create, edit, and leave comments on any file remotely.
Cloud-based collaboration allows you and your teammates to contribute to files from anywhere, without touching a single paper.
Channel-Based Messaging Platforms
Messaging apps are deeply embedded in our workplace communication, with over 40% of Fortune 100 businesses using Slack. These apps let you segment multiple conversations into channels. Plus, they allow asynchronous and instant communication under a single thread.
Moreover, more discussions become public, which helps ensure your entire team is on the same page. In the end, your communication pipeline is more agile.
Online Forms
Sometimes, you may need feedback from your teammates or want to pass a message from different responders to a stakeholder. As a manager, you may have to gather ideas from your team members. Online forms, a unique communication technology, make these possible.
Conclusion
Each of the examples we’ve mentioned above demonstrates the role of technology in enhancing quality workplace communication.
Utilising and deploying these tips in a remote workplace provides you with better communication and enhances productivity.
Researched by Iloh Chioma Sandra
