When the pandemic struck in 2020, many companies shifted to assembling remote teams to protect their employees’ well-being. These online groups promise workers flexibility and can help increase productivity. Also, it lets them accomplish their tasks from anywhere with a device and a strong internet connection. 

While remote work offers numerous benefits for most job hunters and employees today, communication can also challenge many groups. It’s especially true when team members work from different countries and time zones. You should also know that effective communication is even more vital because members don’t see each other face-to-face. 

If you want to improve everyone’s communication skills in this new working environment, this article will enumerate the common communication mistakes remote teams must always avoid.

1. Not Setting Goals and Expectations

Businesses can benefit significantly from project management solutions, especially if they offer remote work options. These tools let them track deadlines and monitor everyone’s progress. However, you must remember that timelines and priorities are different, and people usually mix them, causing delays and missed deadlines. 

For instance, while a team member may have already completed their tasks, they can’t proceed to the next step because someone else didn’t prioritize a crucial task. You should also know that when you don’t set clear expectations and goals, your projects stagnate, and some may overlook the essential deadlines. 

2. Not Opening Spaces for Conversations

You may not realize it, but starting spontaneous conversations with co-workers can help strengthen bonds and improve connections like other relationships. They’re among the best ways to know someone better and share interests. These dialogues usually happen in a traditional office setting when you stop by someone’s desk to ask about their weekend or catch up during lunch. 

Unfortunately, work-from-home groups have fewer opportunities for these casual chats and fun team-building activities. Connecting with other co-workers can also be tricky, especially if they live far away.

3. Neglecting Time Zone Differences

Accessing a remote team from different areas worldwide lets you find more talented workers for your company and increase flexibility. It’s also the best way to promote cultural diversity. However, assembling a diverse team can be challenging, especially if they’re from different cities or time zones. 

You must be mindful that your available working hours for communication may be outside of the other person’s working hours. You should also find a compromise that works for both parties and respects each other’s schedules.

4. Implementing Strict Digital Communication

Managing a virtual remote team can be convenient for most team leaders and business owners, especially with the rise of technology. However, you shouldn’t solely rely on digital communication tools like frequent emails and chat apps to improve communication. You can guarantee success by encouraging open and effective communication. You should also set some time aside for face-to-face communication through video or physical meetings. 

5. Trying to Multitask 

While remote work can be convenient and flexible for many employees, it can also be tricky for them because of outside influences like family members, pets, phone calls, and noises. Remote team leaders should prioritize productivity, communication, and work-life balance for their team. Everyone should also avoid multitasking and guide on implementing these values. 

6. Rushing through Virtual Conferences

While virtual meetings offer many benefits, they can never replace the personal connection and ease of face-to-face meetings. These online meetings can also be tricky for participants to interrupt the speaker and contribute to the discussion because of the lacking physical presence. Therefore, you must never rush virtual meetings. That way, everyone can share their thoughts and add to the conversation. 

Takeaway

Remote work allows employees to enjoy convenience and flexibility, but physical limitations can limit team-building activities and cause miscommunication. You can help everyone be effective communicators by educating yourself about common communication mistakes and finding ways to avoid them. 

If your business needs remote team-building activities, call BreakoutIQ! We’re ready to help you coordinate a successful virtual holiday event to bring your remote team members closer together. Contact us now!