How to Improve Communication with Remote Staff

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to COVID and the developments in technology. Many jobs don’t require staff to enter the office at all. That has made it tricky for some workplaces to keep up good communication, especially those who relied upon weekly meetings and in-office team-building exercises. To make sure all employees stay connected, here’s how to improve communication with remote staff. 

Check-in Each Morning

To make sure everyone is ready and prepared for the day, be sure to check in with all remote staff first thing. It doesn’t have to be formal – just a quick video or audio call to get up to speed with everything should suffice. Not only does it make sure everyone is on the right track, but it also builds a stronger connection between in-house staff and remote teams. 

Invest in Good Communication Tools

Communication tools are crucial when managing remote staff. They provide a place for everyone to check-in and stay up to date and collaborate on projects. It means you don’t have to rely on only your in-house team to work together – everyone can contribute to projects no matter where in the world they are. This ease of communication benefits everyone too, not just remote workers. Go to Simpplr if you want to know more about internal communication in the workplace. 

Try Remote Team Building 

Team building exercises are not just for the in-house staff. You can do plenty of exercises remotely to bring everyone together, such as show and tell, storytelling workshops, and virtual icebreakers. These activities are particularly important for new remote staff. 

Have Regular Video Meetings 

Video calls have dominated the workplace in recent years. It makes sense – they allow face-to-face meetings from anywhere in the world, which is both cost-friendly and convenient. When it comes to remote teams, you can reach them quickly and easily with regular video meetings. It’s almost like having them in the same room during that time. 

Use More than Email 

There is no doubt that email is a good way to communicate, and it’s not going away any time soon, but don’t rely on just email when communicating with remote teams. Try to establish stronger connections by using phone calls, text messages, and any other form of online communication. 

Be Clear and Transparent 

One common frustration that comes from managing remote teams is the mistakes that occur due to unclear communication. That can easily happen after a too-brief email or a rushed phone conversation. To avoid this, focus on communicating as clearly as possible with all remote staff. Be as blunt and to the point as possible to avoid mistakes and save time. 

Host Social Events Online 

Don’t let your remote staff miss out on social hours. Invite them to virtual quizzes, competitions, book clubs, and more to ensure they don’t miss out on a crucial part of the company culture. 

Hiring remote staff doesn’t mean communications have to suffer. With the right technology and effort, you can ensure excellent communication with all staff, no matter where in the world they are.