The era of awkward situations during a video conference and dropped conference calls is coming to an end. We’re living in the days of virtual communication in workplaces. There is a wide range of technology tools available today to businesses of all types and sizes to inspire groups and boost team-working.
In offices, workers use technology for automation to get rid of or simplify tedious tasks and enhance productivity, especially in the assembly sector. Mostly, they are repetitive things that don’t need human traits like decision-making or empathy which makes it easier for technology to complete them.
However, when it comes to teamwork and collaboration, which depends on habits, flexibility, and personality traits, can we use technology to promote teamwork? The answer is yes. In this article, we discuss how.
Table of Contents
Using social media Can Help Build Groups
One advantage of in-person group meetings is that it creates a social dynamic that binds the identity of the group. Teams at work might decide to take breaks or attend a game over the weekend. Virtual teams come with more limited options when it comes to this. One way to build these kinds of group dynamics and personal connections is by using social media. It’s easy to communicate using platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
The meetings can be formal or friendly. People can chat about different things such as sports or music. Most sites allow group pages to keep chats private meaning only the invited team members can add content or view it.
Team Communication and Collaboration
Statistics show that 70% of remote employees feel left out in the workspace.
With the help of online collaboration software and communication apps, team members can now effectively stay in touch no matter where they are. They are used for file sharing, sending messages, and have forums so you can reach anyone anytime. It ensures the ease for top officials to discuss progress and connect with junior workers and avoid unnecessary and long mail trails. But the persons who benefit most are remote employees who are not around.
In smaller enterprises, team communication happens more organically. However, in organizations with many employees, it is challenging to keep in touch with every person. Chatting instead of exchanging emails is a great way of improving teamwork and collaboration.
Cloud Collaboration
Soliciting group resources on a typed document, internet page or any other kind of product is one of the most tiring but vital things of operating within a team. In the past, the document in question would be photocopied and passed around. The leader had to interpret scribbles in the red-ink markings and margins across the spaces of the product.
Today, this happens electronically. You can now distribute PowerPoint slides, written documents, data sets, illustrations, and other types of resources. Users can easily comment and make changes fast and edit right in the doc. Using the Reply All icon ensures everyone will get the document.
If your crew needs a more powerful option, cloud computing document storage allows people working in the group to comment, locate, update or edit the file. The leader can modify access privileges for certain uses. Microsoft Office and Google Docs are some of the leading online collaboration tools.
Using Videoconferencing to Enhance Teamwork Instead Of In-Person Meetings
Today, most people have Zoom accounts. It is currently the most popular tool for video conferencing. Individuals can use it to get together with friends and family and by a business to easily and quickly convene a planned meeting or even an impromptu, quick discussion.
You can also opt for ZDNet which provides good reminders. If you want to learn more about these tools, there are many essays on teamwork and other related articles on the web which contain a lot of useful information. Videoconferencing ensures that groups remain cohesive even though associates are far away from each other.
Motivation Booster
To remain efficient and productive, the management should ensure groups are always motivated. But this is not happening. Studies show that most employees are not committed or motivated to perform at their best. One of the reasons is they are not engaged enough.
Using modern tech, bosses can improve engagement at the workplace. For instance, getting real-time feedback from workers helps build confidence to give opinions and feel valued. Things like survey software can help do reviews.
Podcasts And Webinars
Even in a collaborative team, there are times when conveyance is one-way. Probably a leader might want to give a comprehensive overview of the project instructions. A consultant or outside speaker might be hired to provide a certain kind of expertise. Podcasts and webinars are a great way to do this. You can follow them even with a simple cell phone.
Project Management
Project management is one tool that enhances team collaboration. It’s used to schedule meetings and keep track of deadlines. However, with a digital project collaboration tool, you can manage them in one site which allows you to focus on things that need a human touch. Good use of these resources assists stakeholders to prioritize important stuff and enhances team-building among partners and members.
You can also monitor team productivity which makes it easy for business owners to discuss processes and projects with key partners. Additionally, workers can stay on top of their game and adjust to changes accordingly. Spreadsheets shared and updated through email can be confusing because no one knows which copy is up to date. Research shows that firms that use spreadsheets have highly reduced since 2016. However, building one central digital database can help you update information knowing that each person can view the same info.
Conclusion
Good communication strategies are crucial in every business and workplace no matter the sector you are in. Because of this companies need to constantly find methods to make sure their employees have effective ways to share and process details, work, and connect. The good news is that innovations in tech have made things easier for communications and interactions. It offers platforms and devices for effective remote working and those who don’t work full time. It can help streamline and improve the internal processes which then enhance the responsiveness of workers.
