In today's fast-paced world of work, effective communication skills are essential. But despite cutting-edge technologies and methods, many people in and out of the office face challenges when it comes to sharing information. Communication problems are on the agenda, especially at the beginning. Here are a few tips on how to promote open communication in your company in a hybrid set-up!
Key facts
- Hybrid working has revolutionized the way of working, but it also presents companies with enormous communication problems.
- The flow of information and knowledge management must be particularly efficient, especially when working from anywhere.
- For this to work well, it requires not only rules for internal communication, but also a change in culture.
- But regular contact in the office also helps to effectively eliminate communication problems.
- Workplace engagement software can help build structures, bring more teams into the office & promote personal communication.
What are typical communication problems in a hybrid set-up?
During hybrid work for your employees an improved Work-life balance As a result, switching between home office and office can lead to communication problems.
Because the interchangeable model solves a cultural transformation , which requires a different way of communication. The concern that open communication is no longer possible usually expresses the feeling of losing control of one's own teams. And control is not meant negatively here, but the hybrid working model can cause a lack of transparency if carried out incorrectly.
The actual communication problems are usually based on the following factors:
- Lack of transparency as to who will be in the office at what time.
- Lack of transparency about who is working on which projects.
- Communication is often shifted to virtual space, as facial expressions & gestures are harder to read than when working on site.
- Only a certain part of the team meets regularly on site in the office. Interdepartmental exchange is barely taking place anymore.
- As a result of cultural change, work processes have only been insufficiently transferred to the digital space.
- Non-transparent decision-making processes in virtual space run the risk of employees feeling ignored.
- Not enough time is given for communication in virtual space, which leads to misunderstandings and conflicts.
These problems are by no means one-sided. Rather, it affects all employees, regardless of their position in the company. All these communication problems cause misunderstandings and lead to poor or lack of communication at work and at work.
Hybrid work: Lack of communication due to less presence?
A lack of presence does not necessarily lead to communication problems. However, after a few years of working exclusively in the office, many of your employees are still used to the traditional working model.
Physical distance can lead to an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality, where team members who are less present may be less involved in communication and decision making. This can increase a sense of isolation and encourage misunderstandings.
In addition, the reduced presence in the office makes it difficult to spontaneously exchange information, which often takes place during personal encounters in corridors or in the coffee kitchen. Such random interactions not only promote team dynamics, but also lead to creative ideas and the promotion of Innovative power. Without it, information transfer can be slower.
Open communication: How can it be better organized?
Open communication is the key to solving and preventing many problems. It promotes an environment in which ideas and concerns can be freely shared, leading to greater innovation and commitment. Open communication builds trust and creates a basis for strong, efficient teams.
To avoid communication problems, you should therefore work on these points:
1. Accessibility
Clear guidelines usually contrast with flexibility. However, for open communication in your company, you should think about introducing it. Because a major communication problem in a hybrid environment is that not all of your employees will be working at the same time. So think about these points:
- Core working hours: Even in a hybrid working environment, core working hours are a good way to work and communicate with each other. That way, you know when your team should be available.
- Communication channels: Sometimes it's important to encourage asynchronous communication. This means that when messages are sent to colleagues outside core working hours, they select the appropriate channel. Sometimes it's enough to write an email asynchronously.
- Share status: Programs like Microsoft Teams allow you to set a status. For example, if you are on lunch break, communicate it openly within your team.
2. Work on site
Regular office days are particularly important in order to effectively avoid communication problems and to promote innovative strength. Because this is where you create spontaneous encounters that are only possible to a limited extent online.
Therefore try your hybrid team for specific events or even for strategic Meetings to bring it to the office. This not only promotes team dynamics, but also team cohesion in the long term.
3. Feedback culture
In order to promote open communication at work, it is important that managers listen to their employees. Admittedly, the Management at a distance is a clear change for everyone involved. However, regular feedback meetings should take place within the team in order to resolve communication problems.
4. Strengthen team dynamics
regular workshops and Team building help you strengthen team dynamics and better understand the characteristics of your team members. This can help prevent communication problems at work by getting to know yourself better in a professional context.
5. Uses technologies
Hybrid work is characterized by highly asynchronous communication. Tools help you immensely to manage them better and promote open communication. Online whiteboards or project management tools help you keep the flow of information alive. Establishes guidelines for documenting responsibilities and tasks. Or try to develop a transparent system in which even outsiders can quickly see who is currently working on which tasks.
Uses Seatti as workplace engagement software
In order to ideally combine the last two points in particular, Seatti offers you the ideal tool to bring your teams together more often and at the same time fully develop the flexibility of hybrid work.
Our software solution helps you with features such as our Meetup dashboard In just a few clicks, to show who will be in the office and when and what your colleagues will be working on. In this way, you can join in and actively work together. Team bookings On the other hand, helps you plan office days for your hybrid team.
In this way, you promote personal exchange, enable spontaneous encounters and help reduce communication problems.
