4 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Remote Employees
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Working remotely can enhance productivity. Some studies have found that people working from home are 47% more productive.
And there are many more benefits. However, some challenges remain. Apart from the potential toll on work-life balance and technical issues, communication is the biggest one.
Communication concerns could yield to actual mistakes. This could be something like missing a deadline. Hence, communication might just be one of the biggest concerns high-level CEOs and business owners have.
She’s A Given virtual executive assistants are communication pros that can elevate your game. More on that below.
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With the recent changes to the workforce, communication is more important than ever. Luckily, there are plenty of tools and techniques to keep communication flowing effectively.
“You cannot over-invest in communication skills,” former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi once stated. Great communication is the solution to everything.
So, let’s get the tools to achieve the best results remotely.
Here are our suggestions to help keep you with your team while working remotely:
Set expectations from the start
By setting clear expectations with your team from the start, you can avoid the potential for false assumptions and misunderstandings.
As team members don’t always work at the same time, set up a timing game plan. Present your expectations clearly from the start of your new arrangement or if there are any changes to your previous schedules.
Ask yourself what kind of arrangement you are looking for. Fixed schedules for everyone or time-flexible options for your employees?
Based on our experience, a flexible setup will benefit most individuals to work at their preferred time.
Use a shared calendar or project management tools
We use Slack and Google Calendar and are fans of custom-team calendars. With communication tools like Slack and Asana, everyone stays on the same page.
You are able to track projects, which is essential for effective communication.
Easily assigning tasks and projects within a project management tool allows everyone to know what they need to be working on and when it’s due.
Usually, these platforms offer file-sharing and storing all within one place. Keep the alerts on during work so you will receive all notifications.
Try to avoid video call burnout
We love face-to-face meetings, but in our remote environment, we don’t have that luxury. Web-based conferencing platforms like Zoom are a huge part of the solution.
Video calls are helpful since working remotely can sometimes feel isolating, but all the screen time can really take a toll on everyone’s mental health.
From technical lag and network interruptions to the pressures of being on camera, video calls can really burn everyone out. Keep them at a reasonable amount.
Video meetings should be scheduled when needed, maybe even on a regular basis. This could be part of your clearly communicated expectations.
Check In regularly without micromanaging—and ask for feedback
Another way to be sure everyone is feeling comfortable and on track is to check in with your team regularly and ask for their feedback.
Schedule specific times if you need to, or send an individual weekly email to find out if everyone is linked up properly and happy with the workflow.
Be mindful of your tone and make it clear you’re not micromanaging; you're just simply checking in to be sure there are no hidden issues looming.
When you model and promote effective communication between you and your team, you cultivate a safe environment that is efficient and works to achieve the best results for all.
With these communication tips in mind, working remotely can be a very effective and enjoyable experience for everyone on your team.
Simple mistakes and missed deadlines are often avoided thanks to clear pathways of communication between managers, team members, and clients.
Effective communication and delegation save time, energy, and costs at the end of the day. If you’re ready to learn more about how to hire a team to help support you and your business, send us a message or follow us on our social media.
She’s A Given provides best-in-class virtual assistant services to busy CEOs and professionals who can’t simply “do it all.” Schedule a call with us today.
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The best way to collaborate remotely with Virtual Assistants is to clearly communicate your goals and objectives, as well as provide them with clear instructions of what you expect them to do. It is also important to maintain an open and honest dialogue so that the Virtual Assistant can ask questions and provide feedback.
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When speaking in a virtual meeting, it is important to be clear and concise with your points. Speak slowly and enunciate well in order to be understood. Also, remember to listen to the other participants in the meeting and be respectful of their opinions.