Everyone has a preferred method of communication; writers
prefer emails, while speaking individuals prefer phone or video calls. However,
both methods of communication occasionally miss the nonverbal indications we
pick up while speaking face to face. The risk of being misinterpreted results from
this. Being misinterpreted significantly rises in a virtual environment. (Shelton,
2020)
You should always revert to higher circumstances of
communication when there is confusion, miscommunication, or misunderstanding.
When we collaborate electronically, we are unable to meet in person, thus we
must rely on our available resources. For instance, you might choose to resolve
issues through video conferences rather than phone calls. (Shelton, 2020)
Make a phone call or video conference right away if an email
or text causes confusion. This may also be the case, depending on how complex
the information you're attempting to convey is. Making every effort to communicate
in a straightforward way is what's most crucial in this situation. (Shelton,
2020)
1.
Call or Video Call
A simple yet highly powerful tool is a phone call or one-on-one conversation. For one-on-one catch-ups and connection development, use phone calls and Interpersonal calls. Talking on the phone is another excellent way to address delicate or challenging subjects.
2.
Video Conference
For problem-solving and collaborative production, video
conferencing works best. In addition to offering a ton of fantastic
technological options, many video conferencing software programs also have
screen sharing and whiteboard features. It's crucial to offer the option of
screen sharing, digital whiteboards, or even document co-editing during a video
conference for brainstorming or problem-solving in order to keep participants
interested and facilitate collaboration.
Aside from weekly planning meetings, video is also excellent
for review sessions, workshops, trainings, team meetings, retrospectives, and
decision-making times. Aside from weekly planning meetings, video is also
excellent for review sessions, workshops, trainings, team meetings,
retrospectives, and decision-making times.
Tip;
A moderator is required to keep the conversation on topic
during video conferences, as well as a defined itinerary. For developing
connections purposes and to catch nonverbal indications, you should keep the
camera on during the meeting. You no longer need to be concerned about how your
surroundings appear around you while you have the options to choose new
features like blurred backgrounds.
3. Chat
A friendly exchange with a coworker that you may typically
have if you were in the office can be replaced by chat applications in virtual
workplaces, but they do have their time and place in business.
Immediate questions, friendly team discussions, and staying
current in real time are all made possible by chat. Simply checking in with
people to see how they're doing is vital. Chat can be a quick and direct way to
get answers to critical inquiries, share processes, or get direction when
working from home.
4. Video Notes and Captures
Particularly when working digitally, these tools provide
rapid and practical solutions. Here are some inventive uses for voice notes and
video captures:
When sharing work with groups of people or in case they need
to refer to it again, video recording can be an excellent tool for presenting
and discussing it. For those who were unable to attend, it can also be utilized
to record video conversations and meetings.
Review the features and add-ons offered by the software
before selecting one for video conferencing. To show complex ideas/processes
and collaborate on problem-solving, you should be able to both record and use
tools like whiteboards.
If an action doesn't require a visual help, voice notes can
be utilized to direct someone through it. Voice notes are also useful for
recaps following meetings or when someone is absent and you simply want to let
them know what they missed. It's as simple as "Record and Submit" to
send voice remarks.
5. Email
Emails are the most efficient way of formal "one-to-many" communication as well as formal internal and external communications. Giving updates and status reports to major groups of individuals via email works perfectly.
At least 5% of formerly on-site employees would be
transferred to permanent remote positions, according to nearly three out of
four CFOs, after COVID 19. In a poll conducted by Gartner, Inc. on March 30,
2020 of 317 CFOs and finance executives, it was discovered that 74% planned to
permanently remote-hire at least 5% of their previously on-site personnel. (Shifting
Some Employees to Remote Work Permanently, no date)
Video;
Source : YouTube
References;
- Shelton, S. (2020) Communication Channels for the Virtual Workplace, Executive Leadership Consulting. Available at: https://executiveleader.com/communication-channels/ (Accessed: 21 August 2023).
- Shifting Some Employees to Remote Work Permanently (no date) Gartner. Available at: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-04-03-gartner-cfo-surey-reveals-74-percent-of-organizations-to-shift-some-employees-to-remote-work-permanently2#:~:text=A%20Gartner%2C%20Inc..
- How to Collaborate Effectively If Your Team Is Remote (The Explainer (2020) How to Collaborate Effectively If Your Team Is Remote (The Explainer), YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/vradYqcXfGQ.
This article provides valuable insights into the various methods of communication in a virtual work environment. The author effectively highlights the challenges of missing nonverbal cues in digital communication and emphasizes the importance of choosing the appropriate communication method for different scenarios. The suggestions, such as using video calls for collaboration and video notes for sharing complex ideas, are practical and can enhance virtual teamwork. Additionally, the statistics about the increasing trend of remote work due to the pandemic add relevancy to the discussion. Overall, this article offers useful advice for navigating effective communication in remote work settings. Well written article!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful comment. Indeed, understanding digital communication is essential in today's distant work environment. The gap caused by distant work has been effectively closed with the use of video calls and video notes. Yes, the shift toward remote labor has certainly been driven by the pandemic, making this matter much more important.
DeleteBest article to read. So Vaishi The coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in virtual work across companies, with many or even all employees working from home for an extended period of time. One of the key unintended consequences of this widespread switch to virtual work is the impact on the relationships and interpersonal networks within organizations. By better understanding how working remotely can damage connections, trust, and cooperation, managers can act to mitigate those effects. Therefore, putting things in writing is often necessary (for example, for efficiency or flexibility or to organize complex information), but trust increases when people can hear your voice instead of just reading your words. Although videoconferencing is useful for sharing visual information and having brief moments of connection, trust does not necessarily increase further when people switch from audio-only communication (phone calls) to videoconferencing (which can actually reduce trust if, for example, speakers don’t look directly into the camera).
ReplyDeleteAll channels, even text, can be used to provide moments of human connection. which increases the odds of having a positive and productive interaction. Thus, using a combination of channels — and paying attention to the relationship risks of each — provides the best opportunity to both work effectively and bolster relationships. When a company goes all virtual, many if not most work relationships and networks will tend to become restricted and suppressed. This is unlikely to be a problem, though, as long as managers take care to address the relationship difficulties associated with virtual work.
You've highlighted several important ideas, and I'd like to elaborate.
ReplyDeleteThe transition to virtual work has been truly transformative, and while if it has many benefits, such as flexibility and efficiency, it also has its share of difficulties. Maintaining solid interpersonal relationships and trust is crucial in a remote work environment since it has a direct impact on team collaboration and overall productivity.
While vocal communication offers a more personal touch, written communication—such as emails and instant messaging—may lack the clarity and documentation requirements. Building trust and understanding with someone can be greatly facilitated by hearing their voice, tone, and inflections. It is for this reason that audio-only sessions, like phone calls, can sometimes be quite successful at developing connection—even better than videoconferencing.
As you correctly noted, there are drawbacks to videoconferencing, such as the "lack of eye contact" problem, which might prevent trust-building. To avoid these concerns, it's critical for team members to be attentive and actively endeavor to maintain attention and eye contact during video meetings.
It's a great idea that you recommend using a variety of communication methods. It enables a more thorough method of preserving and even enhancing interactions in the virtual workspace. This combination can include voice conversations for a personal touch, videoconferencing for more engaging talks or presentations, formal emails for short exchanges, and instant messaging for speedy responses. The efficacy of communication can be greatly increased by using the appropriate channel for the appropriate situation.
You have pointed out the value of managerial caution in handling the difficulties of virtual labor. The establishment of a productive remote work culture, the development of team relationships, and the provision of the tools and resources required for employees to succeed in this setting are all tasks that managers play a crucial part in. Healthy working connections can be maintained in a virtual environment by promoting open communication, doing regular check-ins, and participating in team-building exercises. Appreciate your participation to this conversation and how your views illuminated this important topic.