Building group communication environments has never been more important.
While the office has transformed into a highly digital space with many employees working either fully remote or hybrid, the need for effective communication has never been more important. While remote work has made lives more balanced and easier, building effective group communication environments can build strong relationships, trust, engaged participation, company culture, and appreciation for differing viewpoints and experiences.
Strong Relationships
While many day-to-day interactions take place online – sometimes even when employees are in the office – there can be an in-personal touch with interactions done over a screen. Whether it's sending emails, texts, or chat messages many employees have a built-in nature to use technology to communicate; however, this type of interaction tends to lead to weaker and less personal relationships. According to a Forbes survey, 84 percent of executives say they prefer in-person meetings because they build more meaningful relationships and reinforce existing social bonds.
Building Trust
When conversations and dialogues take place in person, it builds a sense of trust because of the face-to-face interaction. Being able to see and talk to someone is an inherently more persuasive and a more effective way to not only establish a positive relationship but be top of mind. Written and online communication, like email, is more impersonal and “faceless.” Conversely, meet and greets are considered sincere. Having teams meet in-person creates ways for teams to build rapport with one another. They establish a higher level of trust and understanding.
Engaged Participants
Meetings conducted over a video chat require less engagement than in-person meetings. Virtual meetings make it easier for participants to multi-task with multiple screens open, and to divide their focus by placing themselves on mute and/or turning off screens. This leads to more passive engagement due to more distractions.
Engaged participants are more attentive and productive, which can translate to increased profits. This is because more engagement can generate more ideas and solutions to achieve common goals and business ends.
Culture
Group communication that fosters a sense of community can also build a strong culture. Creating a sense of community will be key to people feeling connected to the organization, brand, and the people they work with. It is important that people feel heard, seen, and that they are a part of the team, regardless of where they are working from. By feeling part of the group, people are more likely to be inspired, motivated, and engaged, which intern can boost productivity, innovation, and retention. Effective communication in the workplace can foster a sense of community and cooperation among your people, which intern leads to shared purpose.
Design an Office for Communication
Designing spaces with collaboration in mind will be key to implementing effective group communication in the office. Collaborative spaces with the right design and technology can facilitate effective communication, which intern will lead to better returns and performance.
Communication boards paired with ancillary electronics can lead to robust communication. Adding boards to your space creates a focal point in the room, a tool to interact with that promotes better retention, and a platform for idea generation.
