How do I… simplify how I communicate?

Jason Downes, MD of Powwownow, takes a look at the art of business communication and ways in which we can all connect more effectively.

The way we access information and communicate with one another has changed forever. From the rise in social media, instant chat services and online news sites, we are constantly connected to an unlimited supply of information. While it’s easier than ever to access and share information, bringing many benefits to our lives, this can also create an environment for information overload, causing a deterioration in our work-life balance and a decrease in productivity.

There are simply not enough hours in the day to sort through the endless stream of information available to us and as a result, issues in communication easily arise and need to be addressed. From miscommunication to an overflowing inbox, the negative consequences of failures in communication can range from minor issues to more substantial problems. For that reason, business communication needs to be clear and simple.

Ensure Communication is Clear

Clarity of communication can not only help businesses on a day-to-day basis, but it has become increasingly important given the importance of remote and flexible work. In the absence of regular, face-to-face contact, communication must be clear enough to address any complexities that could arise from utilising different forms of technology to share information.

When communication is unclear, the consequences can be far-reaching. Businesses may lose customers and revenues may decline, all because of errors in communication. Plus, when systemic communication problems exist in an organisation, the long-term impact is likely to be substantial.

Failures of communication in the workplace can likewise produce a negative – if not toxic – work environment. When employees don’t feel their voices are being heard or when they struggle to communicate with the management team, decreased productivity and increased employee dissatisfaction is inevitable, resulting in high turnover rates. By ensuring clear and open communication, a business’s efficiency and effectiveness can improve while simultaneously creating a positive company culture that keeps employees motivated and happy.

Simplify Communication Processes

Advances in technology have allowed for significant improvements in the way we communicate with one another. However, in spite of the many benefits offered, these advancements can at times render communication increasingly complex. Navigating these complexities is key to ensuring communication is clear and simple while still benefitting from new and innovative tools.

Using innovation tools, such as the cloud, can be critical to simplifying communication streams. By storing endless amounts of information in the cloud, businesses have changed the way they operate. The cloud provides businesses an opportunity to reduce costs and technical barriers, all while capitalising on the growing trend of flexible working. It means that with just an internet connection, employees can often work from anywhere in the world.

A key benefit of cloud-based systems is the flexibility to allow people to communicate with one another through a range of mediums, such as email, Instant Messaging (IM), voice-over-IP (VoIP), webinars, and conference calls – regardless of their location. These methods of communication can be combined and used in different ways and for different purposes; from organising large conferences, to sharing documents and having a quick team catch-up. It means collaborating and communicating can now be flexible, simple and cost-effective.

Ultimately, there are a range of tools that can help businesses promote more efficient and effective work processes – at an employee, team, and company level. Harnessing these new innovations, such as the cloud, enables businesses to simplify and clarify their communication processes without compromising the quality of their services.