Most work environments in IT are remote and disperse all over the globe. In this virtual times effective communication is a more important subject than ever before. Corporations aren't the only ones seeing the impact, also employees find that collaborative work is critical for a positive work environment.
Knowing the importance of communication, how can teams implement improvements that are meaningful and sustainable over time?
Best practices to begin with...
It might seem repetitive and probably something your HR department told you over an over again, but learning the basics for effective communications is a good first step:
- Know your audience: adapt the communication style and technical depth based on the recipient's knowledge and role.
- Use structured formats and provide context: have in mind the channel used and message you want to convey; not assuming others have all the background. Consistent, brief and clear communication goes a long way.
- Document key discussions: keeping records of important information facilitates accessibility to internal product knowledge and using shared platforms for quick reference enhances collaboration within teams.
One size do not fit all
Every company and team has their own way of communication. Having the building blocks is just the start, now is time to make adjustments that can strengthen communications within your team. For this, two significant factors are the right tools and the hurdles of asynchronous communication for distributed workers.
According to the State of Developers by JetBrains in 2023, 84% of software professionals use instant messaging and video calling on a regular basis to communicate for work. And 82% use emails. With this insights is safe to say that the communication tool to use has to be selected with care, to not waste precious time to the business. Considerations are in order for the alignment of this tools, reducing context switching can decrease the challenge of handling too many tools and modes of communication. Take care, choosing the right tool but using it poorly can be in detriment of effectiveness.
Git is a staple for version control and asynchronous work in software development, made clear by 87% respondents that said to use it regularly. But this platform doesn't address the value and impact of relationships in the workplace. Strong connections at work improve individual happiness and effectiveness on the job. More workers are looking for collaborative environments where communication is transparent within their company and their colleagues. So it should also be a priority for business to encourage this traits inside their teams.
Adding the multicultural factor plays a relevant part in the communication within teams. Creating an open and emphatic setting makes team members feel comfortable expressing themselves and having their ideas heard foster successful teams.
“Prioritizing investments in people's communication abilities enables each person to be proactive, responsive, and efficient at work. When communication is effective, it turns interactions into relationships and abstract business strategy into shared motivation ” - 2023 Grammarly State of Business Communication
Improving internal communication never ends
Implementing a feedback culture and investing in team communication is so compelling. Establish a regular check up where people can seek and provide constructive input about effective communication. The use of surveys to gather insights of the current state and potential blind spots that can be addressed.
With periodic diagnostic being made is easier to pinpoint where to invest and do training in particular areas. Public speaking, writing or emotional intelligence can enhance communication skills that help minimize failures or misunderstandings. Confident writers improve performance across the board, in their work, in the engagement and on their mental well-being
