Communication is King in Remote Work - How to Collaborate Effectively

Some days, you wake up in the morning and seriously consider calling in sick. You trudge into work, give a weak smile to your coworkers, and slump into your desk, hoping no one will talk to you.

On other days, you walk in smiling, join in on conversations, and treat your coworkers like your best friends. 

Whether you enjoy their company or not, your coworkers are a huge part of your relationship core. In fact, if you really think about it, you probably spend more time with your coworkers than anyone else. Your relationship with them is one of your most important because you see them so often.

Some people focus on those relationships as more than just work, going out for lunch with coworkers on the weekend, or hosting cookouts for the Fourth of July. Others stick to strictly professional environments. Either way, your coworkers are your teammates, people you create ideas or even argue perspectives with. In most jobs, you rely on them at least a little bit. You’re all working together to create the same result.

The time you spend with your coworkers has a huge impact on your mental health, whether those interactions are positive or negative. Positive interactions are so important because when you feel heard and your perspective and ideas are seen and taken seriously, you feel more confident and validated, boosting your mindset core.

The Plot Twist: What Happens to Your Relationship With Your Coworkers Now?

Plot twist! Covid’s here! Now what? 

We've switched to working online and communicating remotely. Meetings happen over Zoom, coworkers are talked to through a camera, and interruption from a family member is bound to happen. We have to maintain relationships with our coworkers through a computer screen.

And it doesn’t look like remote work and communication will disappear anytime soon. Experts say it’s going to last. The flexibility and ease appeal to many companies, who will find a way to incorporate them into the workplace, even when the pandemic is over. 

You may as well get used to it, folks. Remote work and communication are going to stick around.

And even though we don’t see them in person anymore, communication while remotely working with our coworkers is crucial. We can’t let those relationships fizzle out. Communication is key; sticking together and working towards the same goal can only be done if everyone is on the same page.

What is Remote Communication?

Remote communication is a method of collaboration that allows team members to work together even when they're not in the same physical location. There are a number of different tools that can be used for remote communication, including video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software. For remote communication to be effective, it's important to choose the right tools and establish clear guidelines for how team members should communicate with each other.

Why is Remote Communication Important?

There are a number of reasons why remote communication is important. First, it allows team members to work together even when they're not in the same location. This can be helpful for companies that have employees who work in different time zones or who need to travel frequently. Second, remote communication can help to reduce the costs of doing business. If team members can communicate and collaborate effectively without traveling to meet in person, it can save the company money on travel expenses. Finally, remote communication can help to improve the quality of work. When team members can communicate and collaborate effectively, they can produce better results.

5 Tips For Successful Communication When Working Remotely

Connecting online might feel daunting, but I’ve got you covered. Here at Moore Momentum, we’re experts at communication and working remotely; we’ve always been virtual, even before the pandemic. Here are 5 tips for successful communication when working remotely: 

1. Written or verbal communication is the only communication.

You can’t rely on nonverbal cues or read your coworkers’ moods and thoughts because you’re no longer in the same space together. You have to be clear with your communication and make sure it’s understandable and polite. Make sure you include all the details needed; vague messages can get pretty frustrating.

2. Communicate frequently.

Being a great remote worker doesn't necessarily mean completing tasks faster than everyone else; it means always acknowledging messages, sending updates, and providing reports. If you’re running late, you should definitely send a quick, “I’m running late but will have it done by x afternoon.” If someone says, “Make sure you title it x,” acknowledge their message with a thumbs up so they know you got it and you’re following.

3. Keep your communication kind and polite, just as you would in person.

Simply saying, “Hey, how are you?” before you get into the work can make things easier and more open.

4. Use the online tools available.

Platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Cisco Webex are extremely helpful for remote meetings when you need to stay connected. Live conversations can be so much more helpful and easier than chatting over online messaging.

5. Remember to stay conscious of time.

That 20-minute Zoom meeting doesn’t need to drag into 2 hours. Time is extremely valuable when juggling kids, work, and home life all at the same time. 

And most importantly, keep being your best self. The world still needs your positive energy, and you can let it out from the comfort of your own home.

Want to know where you stand in the five values of life tied to happiness (Your 5 Cores)? Take this two-minute Core Values Quiz to get your core score in the five values of life.

For more gamified habit hacks to build momentum in your life, follow me on IG, FB Group, and Tiktok.