How to improve communication so that it does not interfere with work performance and the relationship with colleagues? Today we give some ideas.
Last update: 07 September, 2021
Quality communication requires, among other things, that the message sent reaches the recipient with as little interference as possible. Like this, remote work can interfere with communication. So let's see how to improve communication when working remotely.
Some guidelines may help us communicate better in this new business scenario? We illustrate seven in the following lines.
Remote communication and work
Communication - from the Latin communicatio, -onis- can be defined as “Conscious action with the exchange of information between two or more participants”. In principle, when we communicate our goal is to transmit or receive any type of information.
Communication is important in all areas and is being damaged especially in this historical phase, not only in the social and personal sphere but also in the working one.
Many people have moved from working in the office to working remotely and obviously it's not the same. The impact of this change is evident in performance, in possible doubts or misunderstandings, in the working climate, in the relationship with colleagues, etc.
Caring for communication when working remotely
Based on the above, it is important not to neglect communication, even when instead of a physical space with our colleagues, we share one through the screens. The rules have changed, but communication shouldn't be penalized.
The point is that working remotely means staying connected to new technologies and communicating in a completely different way. How, then, to avoid neglecting communication when working remotely?
In this space we will give you some useful guidelines to communicate fluently in the era of teleworking, as well as encouraging a positive working climate. As you will see, these tips refer to both oral and written communication. Take notes!
Say hello and take your leave
It seems like elementary advice, but sometimes, with teleworking, we tend to neglect some habits that we accept with ease in live communication. So, pay attention to these basic aspects of communication during online meetings: saying goodbye and saying goodbye.
Do I work remotely? Smile
The smile is a really powerful tool of communication. With teleworking it can be colder; this is why it is important to keep a smile during the first online meetings: it conveys friendliness and brings you closer in times when you cannot be physically close.
Be expressive
Another idea for taking care of communication in the age of teleworking has to do with an effort of expressiveness during online meetings.
As there is a barrier between you and your colleagues and superiors, communication could become colder and more distant. This is why that "plus" of expressiveness is necessary: ​​smiling, gesturing, etc.
Modulate the tone of your voice to work remotely
Non-verbal language is just as - if not more - important than verbal language in communication, and this is because it represents the bulk of the message.
Here it is also important to moderate the tone of the voice and adapt it to the type of meeting. For what reason? Because in the context of remote work the voice becomes a main element.
The other person is not physically in front of us, but we have his gestures and his voice and the latter takes on particular importance to fuel smooth and effective communication (and, above all, that it is suitable for different working realities).
Don't hesitate to use gifs and emoticons
Gifs and emoticons are becoming more and more fashionable in our conversations, not only in social but also work contexts. In addition, it is important to choose the right moment to add these elements: in a moment of seriousness, of course, they are not appropriate.
Yet, gifs and emoticons can enrich the message, give a touch of freshness to the conversation, help break the ice, give a touch of good humor and ease the situation, etc. They can, therefore, be useful for enriching and sweetening written communication.
Read the texts again before sending them
Written communication favors misunderstandings; although it is inevitable, to improve communication in the era of teleworking, it is necessary to reread what is written before pressing “enter”.
Double-check the syntax, meaning and even spelling of the text. Ask yourself if it really reflects what you mean. If the answer is yes, then submit.
Also try to rework what is written. For some types of text, moreover, it may be a good idea to send them, if possible, on a deferred basis; that is, writing them at one time, then double-checking and sending them at another. This revision increases the chances that the message is substantive, more expressive and that it faithfully reflects what you want to communicate.
Do I work remotely? Activate the webcam
Some people get into the bad habit of not turning on their webcam during online meetings. This aspect increases the distance between the interlocutors; that is why it is convenient to look at others and allow them to look at you.
If the participants can see each other, the communication will always be more fluent - and closer - than when speaking only through the microphone.
Conclusions
And you? Do you work remotely and have you noticed how this new situation is affecting communication? Teleworking is a daily challenge that requires us to adapt and renew ourselves, to have ideas to get closer to others even if they are not with us. We can not help but learn!
Communicate with others as you would like them to communicate with you if your roles are reversed.
-Aaron Goldman-
