Marketing
December 20, 2022
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8
min

How to improve Internal Communication of a remote team

Improving internal communication within a remote team can be a challenging task, but it is essential to the success of the team. Effective communication helps to build trust, increase productivity, and foster collaboration among team members. By taking the time to focus on improving internal communication within a remote team, organizations can create a more cohesive, effective, and productive team.

Internal Communication of remote teams
Is remote team communication a problem? These tips will help your remote workforce connect and collaborate efficiently.
Paula Viatela
SEO Specialist

How to improve Internal Communication of a remote team

Effective internal communication is important for the success of any team, but it can be especially challenging for remote teams. 

Internal communication becomes even more important in a remote team where members may not be physically present to collaborate and communicate face-to-face. Poor internal communication can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and reduced productivity, while effective communication can foster collaboration, teamwork, and successful project completion.

In this article we will share some advice to improve your internal communication, specifically to work efficiently with remote teams.

1. Use clear and concise communication: 

When communicating with team members, be as clear and concise as possible. This will help ensure that your message is understood and that team members are able to respond effectively.

This means avoiding jargon or using language that might be confusing to others, and being specific about what you need or expect from team members. It's also a good idea to be brief and to the point, as long or rambling messages can be difficult for team members to follow.

In addition to being clear and concise, it's also important to be respectful and considerate when communicating with team members. This means being mindful of their time and attention, and avoiding sending unnecessary or irrelevant messages. By following these principles, you can help ensure that your communication with team members is effective and efficient, and that everyone is able to work together effectively.

2. Use the right tools

There are a variety of tools available to help improve communication for remote teams, such as chat apps, video conferencing software, and project management platforms. Choose the tools that work best for your team and make sure that everyone is familiar with how to use them.

Here are some types of tools that can be helpful for remote teams:

  • Chat apps: Chat apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow team members to communicate in real-time, share files, and collaborate on projects. These apps can be especially useful for quick, informal communication.

  • Video conferencing software: Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet allow team members to have face-to-face conversations and meetings, which can be especially important for building personal connections and maintaining a sense of team cohesion.

  • Project management platforms: Project management platforms like Asana or Trello allow team members to track progress on tasks, assign tasks to team members, and collaborate on projects. These tools can help keep everyone organized and on track.

It's important to choose tools that work well for your team and that everyone is comfortable using. It can also be helpful to have a designated person or team responsible for managing and organizing the use of these tools. 

3. Set clear expectations:

Make sure that team members understand what is expected of them in terms of communication. This might include things like responding to messages within a certain timeframe or making sure to keep others informed of their progress on tasks. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations around communication, you can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings.

Here are some examples of expectations you might set for team members in terms of communication:

  • Responding to messages within a certain timeframe: By setting a clear expectation for when team members should respond to messages, you can help ensure that communication is efficient and that everyone is able to stay on track.

  • Keeping others informed of progress: It's important that team members keep each other informed of their progress on tasks and projects. You might set an expectation that team members update each other on their progress at regular intervals, such as daily or weekly.

  • Being available during certain hours: Depending on the needs of your team, you might set an expectation that team members are available for communication during certain hours. This can help ensure that everyone is able to stay in touch and that communication is timely.

4. Foster a culture of open communication:

By encouraging team members to openly communicate with each other and by creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up, you can help build trust, foster collaboration, and improve the overall effectiveness of your team.

Here are some tips for fostering a culture of open communication:

  • Encourage open and honest communication: Encourage team members to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas openly. Make sure that everyone feels that their opinions are valued and that they are comfortable sharing them.

  • Provide opportunities for team members to interact with each other: Regular team meetings and social events can be a great way to encourage team members to interact with each other and build relationships.

  • Encourage feedback and suggestions: Encourage team members to provide feedback and suggest ideas for improvement. This can help foster a culture of continuous improvement and encourage open communication.

  • Set an example: As a leader or manager, it's important to model the behavior you want to see in your team. Make sure to be open and transparent in your own communication and encourage team members to do the same.

By following these tips, you can help foster a culture of open communication in your remote team and encourage team members to work together effectively.

5. Schedule regular check-ins:

Scheduling regular check-ins with team members can be an effective way to improve communication and keep everyone on track. These check-ins can be a useful way to touch base with team members and make sure that everyone is clear on their tasks and responsibilities.

There are a few different ways you can schedule regular check-ins with your team:

  • One-on-one meetings: Scheduling regular one-on-one meetings with team members can be a good way to check in on their progress and address any questions or concerns they might have.

  • Team meetings: Holding regular team meetings can be a good way to check in with everyone at once and make sure that everyone is on track.

  • Daily or weekly check-ins: Depending on the needs of your team, you might schedule regular daily or weekly check-ins to touch base with team members and make sure everyone is on track.

It's important to find a schedule that works for your team and to be consistent with the check-ins. By scheduling regular check-ins, you can help ensure that everyone is on track and that any potential issues are addressed in a timely manner.

6. Use video conferencing:

While text-based communication can be effective, video conferencing can be even more so. Seeing each other's faces and body language can help team members better understand each other and build stronger relationships.

There are a few different ways you can use video conferencing to improve communication in your remote team:

  • Regular team meetings: Holding regular team meetings via video conference can be a good way to check in with everyone at once and make sure that everyone is on track.

  • One-on-one meetings: Scheduling regular one-on-one meetings with team members via video conference can be a good way to check in on their progress and address any questions or concerns they might have.

  • Social events: Scheduling social events via video conference can be a good way for team members to interact with each other and build stronger relationships.

It's important to make sure that team members have the necessary equipment and know how to use the video conferencing software.

In conclusion

Improving internal communication in a remote team can have numerous benefits for both the team and the organization as a whole. Some of these benefits include:

  • Improved productivity: When team members have clear and effective communication channels, they are able to collaborate more effectively and work towards a common goal. This can lead to increased productivity and better outcomes for the organization.

  • Increased team cohesion: Good communication can help team members feel more connected to one another, even if they are physically distant. This can lead to greater teamwork and a stronger sense of community within the team.

  • Enhanced problem-solving abilities: When team members are able to communicate openly and honestly, they can more easily identify and solve problems as they arise. This can help prevent delays or mistakes that could negatively impact the organization.

  • Improved decision-making: When all team members are able to contribute their ideas and insights, the decision-making process can be more inclusive and effective. This can lead to better results for the organization.

  • Greater employee satisfaction: When team members feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be satisfied with their work and committed to the organization. This can lead to lower turnover rates and increased retention of top talent.

Do not pass up the opportunity to strengthen internal communication. Book now a discovery call with Outshore today and see how we can help you improve your team's communication and productivity.