5 Ways to Maintain Communication with
Your Office-Based and Remote Staff
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful business, as well as a core part of any successful office and workplace in general.
However, with more and more people working remotely, and with many who work in-office potentially working in other buildings with their managers, it can be challenging for office bosses to communicate effectively with in-office and remote workers.
So, how do you keep communication open with these hurdles?
Here are five simple ways that office bosses can improve communication with both in-office and remote workers.
Use Multiple Communication Channels
Effective communication requires the use of multiple channels to ensure that everyone is informed. In-office and remote workers may have different preferences for communication, so it’s essential to use various channels such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management software to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
If you are aiming for your business to have more remote workers, you will need to be prepared for them in relation to your business’s data usage. This may involve the use of apps such as Zoom for conferencing, which, if you have a large team, is going to require unlimited data from your internet provider, which is more likely to be feasible in city centers. So, aim to look for offices to rent in Holborn or another London borough if your office is new and you are looking to expand.
Encourage Open Communication
It sounds obvious on paper, but a simple way to improve communication with in-office and remote workers is to encourage open communication. This means that bosses need to promote an environment where employees will feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, which can be tricky. Encouraging open communication can help office bosses spot issues, such as bullying before they become serious and can cause issues with productivity or morale. Also, if you are the boss or manager in a city office, you will need to be receptive to this kind of communication and not ignore issues if they are called to the surface by staff.
Set Clear Communication Guidelines
To ensure effective communication, office bosses should set clear communication guidelines for in-office and remote workers. This includes specifying which communication channels to use for specific tasks, how often to check in, and what to do if there is a communication breakdown. These guidelines help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that communication is consistent.
Embrace Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is an effective way to bring remote workers into the office environment and promote collaboration between in-office and remote workers. Office bosses should embrace video conferencing technology and make it a regular part of their communication strategy. This helps to create a more personal connection between in-office and remote workers and allows everyone to participate in meetings and discussions.
Provide Regular Feedback
Regular feedback is crucial for ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals. Office bosses should provide regular feedback to both in-office and remote workers to ensure that they are on track and that their contributions are valued. This feedback can be provided through regular one-on-one meetings, team meetings, or project updates.