In recent years, businesses have transformed how their employees work, whether remote working or using the hybrid workplace model. While these workplace models have many advantages, maintaining communication with your hybrid team can be challenging. Face-to-face interactions aren’t the first option for most team managers anymore.
However, the use of communication technology has made it possible for you to stay in touch and collaborate with your hybrid team no matter where they are. Forward-thinking organizations are making the most of process changes to improve communication and ensure every team member is on board when working remotely.
Keep reading as we share ideas for improving communication with your hybrid team while ensuring your business thrives in a remote-working environment.
Take Into Consideration Different Time Zones
If your organization works with team members worldwide, it’s important to take into consideration time differences. Expecting employees to engage in a conversation when it’s the middle of the night for them is unreasonable and counter-productive! But it doesn’t mean they should miss out on important discussions either.
Investing in shared inbox software can help minimize fragmented and confusing conversations with staff working in different time zones. It allows multiple team members to collaborate simultaneously when they’re online while seeing any changes a user makes.
The other benefits of a shared mailbox include:
- Improved accountability and transparency
- Easy monitoring of all communications
- Better management of group emails
- Enhanced security
Using software and technology can overcome the communication challenges that come with different time zones while improving collaboration within your hybrid team.
Be Aware of Tone of Voice in Workplace Communication
Your tone of voice in workplace communication plays a vital role in team collaboration, productivity, and successful project outcomes. Written conversations can be easily misinterpreted if you’re not aware of your writing style, attitude; and emotion, which impacts your choice of words and how you use them.
However, With more hybrid teams relying heavily on emails and other communication software to engage with each other; the importance of tone of voice can’t be ignored. Team managers should set an example by using clear and empathic writing styles to encourage effective; and respectful communication at all times.
Your company should focus on establishing communication best practices that guide every hybrid employee when interacting one-on-one or as a team. This encourages transparency as well as prevents misunderstanding when communicating with each other.
Take Advantage of Free Webmail
Free webmail gives hybrid team members access to email from anywhere, at any time; using their own devices that have access to an internet connection. It’s particularly useful for synchronizing multiple devices and offers better security from viruses and malware. Web-based emails ensure you and your team stay connected from any location.
Web-based email makes it easier for your hybrid team, who is always on the go; to engage from different locations and when they’re away from their primary computer. Also, They can access essential information from a public workstation without worrying too much about security breaches. Free webmail can include various collaboration tools in your Inbox too.
Spike’s free web-based email client platform allows you to use any email account without logging in separately. It’s ideal for hybrid teams who are always on the road or traveling abroad for business; and need to access email communication from a venue’s business center. Best of all, it’s a free and effective communication tool every hybrid team should take advantage of!
Use the Right Communication Tool for Different Messages
If you take communication seriously, you’ll understand the importance of conveying different messages using the right tool. This means having multiple communication platforms that allow you to talk to your team as a whole or one-on-one with individuals when necessary.
Conducting sensitive conversations with an individual team member using the company’s shared inbox will only cultivate an unhealthy remote working environment! Businesses using the hybrid workplace model need to ensure they have an array of communication tools and that every employee knows which one to use for different types of messages.
Various communication platforms include video calls, instant messaging apps, shared mailboxes, and other collaboration tools for hybrid teamwork. Best practices will guide the employees to use the available platforms appropriately while feeling free to express themselves in the workplace.
Effective Management of Inclusivity in the Hybrid Workplace
A sense of belonging cultivates healthy engagement, and the same applies in all workplaces. However, managing inclusivity with your hybrid team can be challenging, especially when members are in different locations. It’s up to the company to ensure that effective communication technology is used to ensure everyone feels included in the process.
Communication and collaboration software should avoid making remote workers feel isolated when not in-office with the rest of the team. Fostering inclusivity and equality in a hybrid working environment means removing barriers while creating a level playing field for workplace engagement.
Final Thoughts
Streamlining your business communication processes allows you and your hybrid team to work collaboratively and efficiently from any location. The benefits are numerous, including better workplace productivity, a happier team, and a prosperous company! Use the tips in this article to assist you in making communication effortless no matter where your employees are working.