The Covid-19 pandemic is significantly impacting the way we work and interact with each other. Remote work is the new normal and many organizations are adapting to the ever-evolving professional landscape. Although there are many benefits to working from home, it comes with its fair share of communication-related challenges. Overcoming these challenges will ensure employees feel more connected and productive, and help the organization run more smoothly.
Remote Work: Pros and Cons
The sudden shift to remote work comes with many perks and challenges. Some of the benefits include more flexible schedules, the ability to work with fewer distractions and more opportunities to save money on commuting and other expenses. Many employees appreciate the opportunity to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.
Despite the many benefits, the change in how we communicate remotely can make it difficult to stay connected and motivated at work. The lack of social interaction and structure can leave employees feeling isolated. Many employees find they’ve become less productive when working remotely because they don’t have the same kind of structure an office environment provides.
The Importance of Communication in the Workplace
Effective communication is essential for the healthy functioning of the workplace. It helps with problem solving, decision making, and enables employees to share knowledge and expertise. When the quality of communication starts to deteriorate, this increases the risk of lower productivity and employee burnout.
The human element of in-person connections can often be lost in the remote work setting. We tend to lose the subtext and benefits of body language and emotion. Our interactions can become more transactional in nature, causing us to value productive exchanges over emotional ones. Bringing workplace culture and employee morale to the forefront is key to effective remote work communication.
3 Ways to Improve Work From Home Communication
Casual Conversations
The key is to start small. Have more casual conversations with colleagues that aren’t related to work. Check-in to see how they’re feeling or what they got up to over the weekend. Building these relationships is important to boost employee morale and engagement.
Meaningful Connections
Workplace interactions should go beyond status check-ins. Take time to celebrate team wins and achievements, let team members know their work is appreciated. Encourage virtual lunches and coffee chats. It can also help to conduct regular temperature checks to receive direct feedback from employees on how they feel about their work, company culture and any suggestions for improvement. Team building initiatives within work are great ways to connect with colleagues on a more personal level.
Communication Tools
The right communication tools can also go a long way in a remote work environment. Using applications such as Slack, Asana, and Zoom keep everyone connected and help foster teamwork and collaboration.
Whether you’re working from home permanently or temporarily, being able to communicate effectively will ensure your success. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for more PR and Marketing tips.
Does remote work have you feeling isolated? Check out our blog, “8 Tips for Staying Connected and Motivated While Working Remotely.”
