Communication in the workplace is vital, but it’s not always a given. A whopping 86% of executives and employees cite lacking or ineffective communication efforts. This can be a significant source of workplace failures.
Common issues can include misinterpretation and miscommunication. These factors often lead to reduced productivity and error-making.
This is an even more prevalent issue now. The increased use of remote and hybrid workplace environments is a big factor. As much as 25% of workers are projected to be working remotely by 2023’s end.
It is even more important to have effective business communications solutions in place. Doing so allows businesses to meet these changes head-on.
Effective communication ensures that employees are all on the same page. Teams using effective communication practices can improve productivity by up to 25%.
With that information in mind, let’s take a look at 7 Business Communications Solutions to try in 2023.
1. Mobile Collaboration Apps
Mobile Collaboration Apps are a great way for workplaces to stay connected. They can be used in-office, remotely, and on the go. Some common apps for business collaboration include:
- Evernote
- Trello
- Asana
These apps are effective business communications solutions. Their primary features allow for note-taking and task management. They also allow for file sharing and synchronization with advanced features.
Mobile collaboration apps also have task and project management features. They allow workplace teams to track, assign, and update tasks in real-time.
This helps increase transparency. It also keeps everyone informed about the ongoing project responsibilities and overall progress.
If there is a need for communication, employees can access in-app instant messaging, as well as text messages, video chats, or voice calls. It is ideal for remote and hybrid workers.
2. Cloud-Based Document Collaboration and Sharing
Traditionally, document sharing and collaboration relied on emailing documents. These documents went back and forth between co-workers dozens of times in a given work week.
This not only took up precious time, but also resulted in many errors. It was especially difficult trying to document all the different changes among collaborators.
In the modern age, sharing and collaborating on documents no longer needs to be a tedious email-exclusive process. There are many business communications solutions available.
These solutions offer team members the ability to work on a single document. They can do so simultaneously from wherever they may be. Some document collaboration and sharing programs of note include:
- Dropbox Paper
- Microsoft Office 365
- Google Workspace
These programs are ideal for use with small business technology.
3. Video Conferencing Business Communications Solutions
Video conferencing business communications solutions allow face-to-face video communication around the world. Businesses can easily engage in high-quality and secure video conferencing.
It also enables features such as screen sharing and virtual meetings with invited participants. This allows businesses to foster real-time collaboration remotely. A factor that also helps reduce the need for expensive travel.
Zoom has already proven itself as one of the most effective communication solutions. This is largely in part because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When workplaces were scrambling to find a platform to hold remote video conferences, Zoom stepped up to fill this need.
Other video conferencing programs include Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex.
4. Team Collaboration Platforms
Team collaboration platforms offer a wealth of different features. Specifically, those relating to improving workplace communication. Three of the most prominent business communications solutions for collaboration are:
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Workspace
These platforms facilitate the creation of different channels for specific projects. They also allow for the organization and labeling of different departments or topics.
This enables quick file sharing and discussions. as well as specific notifications to keep everyone within the team well-informed.
Centralized business communications are key for productivity and efficiency. It ensures that all the necessary information is available on a single platform.
Collaboration platforms streamline workplace communication. These solutions encourage active participation among all the team members involved.
5. VoIP Phone Systems
The noble telephone is still as relevant as ever. Even with all the modern advancements available. However, a major improvement to the standard landline phone system options is the use of VoIP phone systems.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. These business communications solutions use the Internet for incoming and outgoing calls. VoIP systems offer many great features such as:
- Call Recording
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Virtual Phone Numbers
- Call Waiting
- Call Transfer
- Call Conferencing
VoIP phone systems are ideal for use as part of your small business phone service. VoIP offers crystal clear call quality, portability, and accessibility.
It is also a much more affordable alternative to other types of phone systems. VoIP uses your existing internet connection. Because of this, there’s no need for expensive phone line installation.
6. Customer Relationship Management Systems
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems are ideal for B2C businesses. They are essential for businesses looking to simplify customer communications.
You can find CRM capabilities in programs like Zoho, Salesforce, and HubSpot. They centralize customer data and also enable email and phone integration. A CRM system provides tools for a wide variety of uses such as:
- tracking customer communication history
- streamlining sales
- enhancing marketing efforts
- improving customer support
- tracking lead management
With CRM solutions, workers can also communicate with one another. CRM allows for more effective communication involving customer relations.
It helps businesses of all sizes manage the complex ins and outs of customer support with ease.
7. AI Chatbots
AI chatbots are becoming more prevalent in the business world. While some see them as a threat, others view them as potential communication assets.
Chatbots can handle many of the mundane and repetitive communication tasks businesses face. They are especially helpful when it comes to routine customer service communications.
Using AI chatbots lets businesses automate and simplify customer interactions. This includes common communications areas like:
- Checking order statuses
- FAQs
- Booking and Reservations
- Account Management
- Technical Support
These chatbot systems log the conversations for businesses to view later on. Chatbots and humans can work together as well.
For example, say the customer requires further help. The chatbot can easily route the conversation to the correct department.
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No matter what industry you’re in, there are business communications solutions available for every need. The type you choose will depend on factors like your budget, the size of your business, and your overall communication needs. Many of these solutions are also fully scalable to adapt to your changing specifications.
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