The pandemic ended workplaces as we used to know them. Businesses stumbled their way into remote teams rapidly, whether they wanted to or not. By conducting business this way for over two years, the future of work is now location agnostic. Hybrid work models are becoming the status quo. As a result, the approach to workplace communication must also change to adapt to this new structure. More of our communication is happening through digital channels. What could be said in a meeting may not be appropriate via Slack. Managers need to re-think how they lead their teams from their home office. This week, we explore how communication needs have changed and how to communicate effectively in today’s hybrid workplace.

Success in the Hybrid Work Era Hinges on Communication

The transition to remote work was swift and sudden. Ineffective communication is now widespread in the workplace, and it’s costing businesses. According to a study, U.S. businesses lose an estimated $1.2 trillion annually due to poor workplace communication—that’s 5% of America’s GDP. To ensure success in hybrid models, organizations must revisit technology investments and reinvent operations. Poor communication prevents leaders from driving growth and embracing these new realities. If done correctly, reimagining communication will allow organizations to deliver a new workforce experience—and redefine productivity and engagement in the new era of work.

The Future of Work Needs Consolidation & Communication

When the pandemic hit, businesses were forced to go remote seemingly overnight and scrambled to implement technology and processes to ‘keep the lights on.’ Two-plus years later, it’s clear that the workplace has changed for good. Organizations must consider avoiding digital miscommunication and provide teams with alignment and clarity no matter the structure. Leadership has a chance to design an intentional hybrid work model that meets their teams’ needs. There is an opportunity to do better than before, yet teams aren’t more connected despite more digital tools at our disposal. Organizations must break down silos and optimize their tech stacks to avoid low productivity, disengaged employees, and disconnected teams.

Blurred Language Boundaries: How To Navigate The New Age Of Workplace Communications

With the shift to remote and hybrid work, we became more reliant on digital communication channels, causing employees to also need to adjust the way they communicate with one another. What we say verbally often doesn’t translate well in writing. Verbal communication is informal, while written communication is more rigid. Now that so much of our communication takes place in digital channels, we’ve lost the benefit of vocal and non-verbal cues, causing a blurry line between what we should and shouldn’t say. Learn how to navigate language lines in the new digital age of workplace communications.

Open Your Digital Doors: Communication and Remote Work

Managers have had to adapt their approach to supporting their remote teams, which isn’t entirely bad. Thrust into a decentralized workplace, managers have the chance to be more mindful of their actions and communications. They can prioritize meaningful check-ins, understand employee needs, and manage based on outcomes to meet or even exceed the productivity and profit they achieved through in-office work.