Remote work has become the new normal for many of us. Technology has made it possible for businesses to remain productive when working in the office was not an option over the past few years, but it's made communication a challenge throughout companies. Digital communication is more prone to misinterpretation and confusion because we can't read each other's body language or tones of voice. To combat these challenges, company leaders need to help their employees practice effective communication and build connections with one another.
In this episode of our Back to Work podcast series, Yoh UK's Recruitment Manager and Technical Staffing Specialist, Ben Kendrew, and our host, Joe McIntrye, discuss how remote work has impacted communication across organizations. They share insights into how employers can keep their workers engaged and promote team collaboration in a remote setting.
Listen to our Podcast below:
Remote Communication: The Good and The Bad
Although remote communication will never be as effective as face-to-face, it does have some positives. Without working in an office, people have become more conscious of the importance of staying connected with colleagues and regularly communicating with them. Having personal connections with coworkers is something that many people took for granted when we all worked in the office everyday, but that's no longer the case. Ben notes another positive is that employers are now being more proactive about keeping their teams engaged and facilitating team building exercises.
On the other hand, remote communication has some negative effects, too. Communicating via technology can often be too formal and feel like an interview — mostly due to the fact that you're having a scheduled meeting rather than a spur-of-the-moment conversation in the office. This makes it difficult to genuinely get to know your colleagues. Lastly, remote communication can lead to misinterpretation because of a lack of visual and social cues that get lost through technology.
Fostering a Collaborative Culture
Since it's unlikely that remote work is disappearing anytime soon, employers need to ensure that they're fostering a culture that encourages team collaboration. Many resilient organizations have found innovative ways to enhance their remote communication, and it's through team building.
Managers need to create a structure that encourages frequent collaboration by scheduling interactive virtual events and encouraging employees to set up remote meetings where they talk about anything unrelated to work. A solid work culture is dependent on colleagues trusting and understanding one another, so team bonding is an essential part of building a sound culture.
Ben and Joe close out the podcast by discussing the future of remote communication. To listen to the full podcast, visit our library.
