Virtual communication lets us communicate with people from all across the globe in different ways. It can include videoconferencing tools including chat, voice calls, and online meeting platforms. These tools aid teams in staying connected, share information fast and increase collaboration. They also allow companies to expand their reach and communicate with a larger audience.
It is important to have a documented and established process for communicating with your team when working remotely. It should include things such as when and how to schedule meetings, the expected response time and the appropriate method of escalating urgent issues.
Furthermore, a planned process will ensure that everyone on the team is on the same page about project progress, deadlines and any other important updates. Meetings create a sense unity that can help create positive working conditions.
Virtual Communication: Getting it Right
Communication in the virtual workplace can be challenging particularly when certain types of communication are not accompanied by non-verbal signals. For instance, text messages and instant messaging don’t permit a clear understanding of tone and purpose. It is easy to miss a subtle hint that a comment is sarcastic, or assume an innocent meaning.
Group chats and meetings do not permit the use of hand gestures. Hand gestures can be a very important part of communication. A thumbs up for instance, could be taken as a sign of approval, or an arm raised can be understood as asking an inquiry. It is important to use tools that can support a wide range of communication, so that your employees can choose the one that best suits them.