Communication tools to improve workplace collaboration

The traditional office, where management and employees relied on landline telephones, typewritten memos and notice boards to communicate, is on its way out. Thanks to advances in technology and better business internet solutions, employees now have a lot of great tools to make communication a lot easier, whether it’s for keeping in touch, building the company culture, or staying updated on project progress.

Having a connected, digital workspace means that employees can collaborate better, be unified, and have higher engagement levels. So, what tools do you need? Below, you’ll find a quick compilation of the top communication technologies worth considering.

VoIP

A business VoIP solution enables you to make cheaper phone calls using a wireless or fibre internet connection. With VoIP, you can download softphone apps to your smartphone, laptops and other smart devices, and continue to use these devices like you would your desk phone. It’s like taking your office with you if you work remotely. You can receive and make calls using your office extension, which minimises the risk of missing any calls. You can also make group audio and video calls, and schedule virtual meetings with your VoIP connection.

Video conferencing

Microsoft Teams is a video conferencing software that is trusted by hundreds of remote teams when they need to collaborate in real time. Team members can have seamless interactions with fellow teammates and clients. In addition to face-to-face calls, Teams offers a host of features such as chats, screen sharing, and file sharing. Being a one-stop-shop for remote communication makes Microsoft Teams a must-have for businesses that need an efficient and flexible way to host online meetings.

Instant messaging apps

Instant messaging allows employees to communicate with others in real time, with no delays such as those associated with email communication. When it comes to creating a chat-based workspace that enables fast collaboration, you can’t go wrong with Microsoft Office. Its features let employees have online conversations and share messages, documents, and videos — even from remote places.

Interactive whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard is an invaluable tool to have during meetings and presentations as it can help your team get everything done efficiently every time. Files can be easily shared, accessed, edited, and saved all on the interactive whiteboard. Given its touch screen interface, meeting leaders can emphasise their points in real-time — making changes to their content as they receive feedback from attendees. You can also easily share the screen with remote attendees. This way everyone has exactly the same information and all team members are on the same page.

Digital signage

Digital signage involves placing screens in strategic positions, allowing you to keep employees in the loop with relevant company news, updates, fire alarms, and safety warnings. Interactive touch screens can double as a broadcast centre when not in use. Content can be updated and deployed in an instant, ensuring that everyone in the office is well-briefed and up to speed on real-time communications.

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Final word

Communication is a crucial element that drives workplace performance and reinforces teamwork. And, successful workplace communication really depends on tools that are fully integrated into your team’s day-to-day processes. As you can see, there’s a wide variety of communication tools that you can choose from, and there are still countless solutions out there that we’re yet to cover, but we hope that this list will benefit you.