Communication with remote teams obviously has a learning curve. The first thing that is taken out of the communication equation is body language. We can’t always rely on body language and gestures to offer us hints about how managers or staff are really feeling, though. Therefore it is worth it to implement some effective internal communication strategies in the everyday work pace.
Remote work offers a few challenges, Moreover, the tempo of communication alters as typical conversational flow is broken by remote work.
In this article we will look at some effective internal communication strategies so you can find out which ones work for you.
1. Define remote communication standards
Outlining and establishing your clear expectations for remote work is the first step in any successful remote communication plan. Workers should be aware of what is expected of them, including the best methods for getting in touch with supervisors. Utilize your internal newsletter to list the many contacts for various questions and problems.
To get things going, you can use your internal newsletter to spread a “Remote communication” guidebook that lists crucial contacts and resources, such as who to contact regarding problems with remote equipment.
Also, you can include instructions on how to set up and use remote communication tools in a knowledge base or FAQ section in your internal newsletter.
2. Develop a successful remote onboarding approach
Starting on day one, remote employers may foster teamwork and employee engagement. The communications you use to onboard remote workers are comparable to the first episode of a new program. They establish the expectations, tone, and manner for any future communications amongst members of your remote team.
In light of this, your new employee email has to provide all the tools your new worker requires for success. Also, it must reflect the company culture and internal personality of the brand.
You can communicate more in your remote onboarding interactions by using an HTML email template.
3. Prioritize real connection
Remote work is still pretty unusual. It has kept us behind screens, unlike meeting your coworkers in person at the office. Asking your team members directly is the best method to learn how they are feeling and what they need. It will be easier to avoid making assumptions about how remote teammates feel if you are intentional about building strong relationships with them.
Sharing user guides, a straightforward questionnaire with questions like “what time of day do you perform best,” is one method to get to know one another better.
“What irritates you?”, “What drives you?”, and many other questions will give you valid insight. User manuals are an excellent resource for learning about the working habits, preferences, and values of employees.
4. Increase your use of video communications
Videos are a valuable part of many remote employees’ communications tools. In fact, without being in close proximity, video communication is the closest we can come to an in-person connection.
We have highlighted this as a top priority in our other article on How good internal communication looks in 2023.
There are various ways to include more videos in your remote team communications. You may include it, for example, through asynchronous communication. In order to do this, you would convert your employee training and coaching materials into videos that you would then embed in your employee newsletter.
Also, you can begin planning more frequent video team chats. You may now switch to weekly meetings if you previously only had one with your immediate team every two weeks. Don’t forget to remind them to switch on their cameras in advance.
5. Find time for virtual team building
Employees can strengthen relationships with coworkers through virtual teambuilding events. They achieve this by providing a whole new setting for interpersonal interaction among employees.
This enables workers to interact more deeply and view one other in a completely different way. Strong remote workplace culture and communication depend on these kinds of connections.
6. Keep asking for employee feedback
Developing constant contact with each worker might be difficult while working in a remote team. Remote workers could feel less at ease providing feedback or posing questions as they become more physically separated from the rest of their team.
On the other hand, managers could forget to do so because they don’t meet staff as frequently.
But, creating a culture of feedback is crucial for a remote staff to succeed. Gaining ongoing employee feedback should now be a common aspect of your communications process.
In conclusion
There will always be situations where remote work is required, whether it’s because of health and safety regulations, logistical requirements, or just to provide employees more flexibility. These effective internal communication strategies will serve as a useful guide in improving the internal communication culture in your company.
Recognizing the particular challenges and opportunities that remote work presents in these circumstances will keep your teams on task and motivated.
Thank you for reading our blog! We hope this article was helpful.
