When it comes to communication, there's an abundance of choice out there and it can be hard to know what will best suit your business. Good communication is crucial in the workplace and it needs to be prioritized. According to a Holmes report, communication barriers cost the average organization $62.4 million per year in lost productivity.
But, what communication channels should you have in your comms toolkit? In this post we'll explain your communication channel options and, in the process, make it easier for you to figure out which you need, and which you don't. Let's break them down by medium.
In-person communication allows you to allows you to communicate with the lowest risk of confusion.
We can't always be there in person, though (especially in recent months). That's where video conferencing comes in handy. Video communication enables users to talk via a live video stream.
In-person and video-based communication can be used alone or in tandem when implementing an office-based, remote or hybrid work model. Here are some use cases:
According to a BrightLocal report, 60% of people prefer to contact local businesses by calling them on the phone. Voice communication can be beneficial both internally and customer-facing. Here are some use cases:
Written communication consists of both digital and print options. They can be used individually or work alongside one another in your communications strategy.
Digital communication is communication that takes place online. Your information is transferred via:
Print isn't dead! You may still want to have tangible policies, handbooks or announcements available in paper format. Some companies find posters, leaflets or brochures helpful to reiterate important messages. This is especially true when you've got a diverse workforce, and some of your employees aren't as tech savvy as others.
“Communication works for those who work at it.” - John Powell, film composer.
The most important thing for your business communications is finding the best and most secure channels for your workforce. Using the wrong tools can have negative effects on employee experience, productivity and collaboration. Select the right channels for you and your team, and you'll be giving your business the tools to build a strong communication strategy.