The shape of the modern workplace was changed forever due to the lockdowns. People are back in the office, but flexible and hybrid working has become the go-to for many businesses.
With work-from-home (WFH) becoming increasingly prevalent, companies are now facing the challenge of maintaining seamless communication and workflow.
Even years after the fact, many are still struggling to create and implement a healthy, productive WFH communication strategy, so if this sounds like you, try out these tips:
How WFH Impacts Communication Workflows
The WFH setup has a significant impact on communication workflows. While primarily written communication can benefit introverts and those less comfortable speaking, video conferencing is still less effective than in-person meetings.
Reading body language and other nonverbal cues over video can be challenging, which can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective communication. Additionally, video conferencing technology can be unreliable, leading to disruptions that can impede productivity.
One of the biggest challenges, however, is creating a thriving and healthy company culture in the digital sphere. Though hard, it is possible – and a key element to any employee experience strategy.
With an employee experience strategy that includes digital and remote work, you can increase engagement rates across the board and help those working remotely feel connected and engaged with the work they’re doing.
Challenges Your WFH Communication Strategy Must Address
Keeping coworkers accountable can be more difficult in a WFH setup. Without the ability to monitor employees in person, it can be harder to ensure that they’re staying on task and meeting deadlines.
Changes can be made to projects without consultation, which can interrupt the workflow of other team members. There’s also a lack of notifying higher-ups if deadlines are going to be breached, which can lead to last-minute scrambling and missed deadlines.
How to Improve Communication
Considering 86% of people believe WFH is the “future of work,” it’s safe to say remote work isn’t going anywhere. To address these challenges and improve communication in your WFH team, consider the following strategies:
1. Train Your Employees on How to Work Best Remotely
One of the most critical components to any successful WFH strategy is that your employees know how to work best remotely. This means providing them with the necessary tools, such as a reliable internet connection and a comfortable workspace.
It also means setting clear expectations around work hours, deadlines, and communication. Providing training on how to work remotely can help your team members stay focused and productive.
2. Establish Communication Etiquette
Establishing communication etiquette is essential in a WFH setup. Regular check-ins can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that work is progressing as planned.
This can be achieved through daily or weekly team meetings or one-on-one check-ins with team members. Encourage open communication and make it clear that everyone’s ideas and concerns are valued.
3. Use The Right Tools
Using the right tools is critical to ensuring that communication and workflow are as seamless as possible.
There are many collaboration tools available, such as project management software, video conferencing tools, and chat apps. Ensure that your team uses the same tools and that everyone knows how to use them effectively.
