Virtual communication is the use of digital tools like text messages, emails chats, video calls to relay information between people who aren’t physically present. It can be an important element of collaborative work especially in the case of fully remote or hybrid teams.
When working remotely, it’s easy to lose track of important details, and there is often less opportunity to provide immediate feedback and responses. This can lead to confusion and frustration between team members and managers. Non-verbal signals, like facial expressions and body language are also difficult to comprehend. It is important to have clear communication techniques for teams working remotely.
The right communication processes and tools can make the difference between a remote team that is highly productive and efficient and one that is overwhelmed and distracted due to too many notifications or lack of structure. It’s also important to ensure that employees feel psychologically safe when communicating with colleagues online which will help to reduce the chance of miscommunications and communication barriers.
It may take some time and careful planning to come up with a communication strategy for teams working remotely. It can also be beneficial to work with an experienced independent project manager, who can help establish communication standards and best practices for teams working remotely. There are many independent project managers with experience to choose from on Upwork. Start searching today to find the perfect fit for your team!