Regardless of the size or type of business that you have, good communication is key to success. In today’s workplace, employees often work remotely and effective team communication is more important than ever. The right communications tools make it easier to interact, share resources, understand tasks, track progress and work more effectively with customers. Take a few minutes to explore the different types of communications tools available to help determine an effective strategy for your workplace.

 
    

Real-time chat/Instant messaging tools

Chat or instant messaging tools are often preferred by employees over email for a number of reasons. Emails can get lost due to the sheer volume, email threads can become long and unmanageable and the tendency to cc numerous people may make many emails irrelevant for the reader. A real-time chat, on the other hand, allows you to immediately ask a question or make a comment, and get the information you need when you need it. Additionally, these tools often allow you to initiate and file chats under a specific subject or project, and you can chat with individuals or specified groups. You can also send files instantly.

 

These kinds of tools are especially helpful for remote workers, as they are more conversational and provide more immediacy than email. Popular real-time chat or instant messaging tools include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Skype for Business, Google Hangouts and more. Do some research and ask your employees and peers if there is an instant messaging app that they prefer.

 
   

Intranet software

There was a time that when companies built their public-facing websites, they would also often create an internal “intranet” that might include things like HR information, training, contact info, logon info and maybe even local take-out menus. Today, there is intranet software that allows you to create a vibrant online place for your employees to engage and interact and keep everyone on the same page in terms of company news, events, policies, new hires, etc. There is also a new class of “social” intranet software that acts similar to a social media site – enabling employees to post pictures, comments and creates a company-only place to exchange information and ideas. Examples of intranet software include Microsoft SharePoint, Yammer, Simpplr, Jive, Bonsai Intranet and many more.

 
   

Project management software

Depending upon what kind of business you are in, the right project management software can be crucial to your success. Project management software helps project managers and teams collaborate on projects, while working to deliver them on-time and within budget. Features of project management tools may include the ability to assign and manage tasks, time tracking, scheduling, budgeting, sharing project-related information, resources, client feedback and more. Some of the most highly rated project management tools include Trello, Basecamp, Smartsheet, Asana, Microsoft Project, Wrike, Workamajig and Huddle.

 
   

Voice/Video conferencing tools

Whether you need to meet with employees in various locations around the world, or need an easily accessible online space to meet with and pitch to prospective clients, there are a number of voice and video conferencing tools that make meetings a breeze. These tools enable activities like video conferencing, online meetings, screen share, webinars, chat, meeting scheduling, collaboration tools and more. Some of the top voice/video conferencing tools include Zoom Meeting, GoToMeeting, Cisco Webex, JoinMe, UberConference, as well as Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts (both of which are also used as chat tools).

 
   

Document collaboration tools

If you have a number of people giving input on a single document, you understand what a challenge this can be. There may be a lot of back and forth with revisions, people may be commenting on an outdated version of a document and incorporating comments can be a frustrating process. That’s where document collaboration tools come in. These tools provide a centralized location for file storage and sharing – ensuring that everyone is accessing the same document. With version control, real-time collaboration and document review and approval tools, these platforms can facilitate the process, speed things up and increase accountability. Popular document collaboration tools include Google Docs, Dropbox Paper, Microsoft Office 365, Sharepoint, Evernote, Zoho Docs and many more.

     

Companies that thrive go the extra mile to ensure effective communication and collaboration, and these communication tools can make a positive impact on your business. Whatever your team size and budget, you should be able to find a tool that enables great communication internally and externally.