For most businesses, remote working is here to stay – at least in part. Many top companies have adopted a hybrid approach that brings in their staff for a few days of the week. This way, they can combine the benefits of face-to-face meetings with the flexibility benefits of remote work. If you think that the solution you put together during the pandemic is good enough, however, think again. If you want to truly benefit from a productive, digital workforce, then you’ll need this ultimate guide to help you develop a comprehensive digital communications strategy.
Intranet: The Cornerstone of Every Digital Communications Strategy
Source: acxiom.co.uk
One key element of any successful digital communications strategy is a well-designed intranet. An intranet, which you can learn more about when you click here, is a private network that is only accessed by your employees. It can be used to share information, collaborate on projects, and communicate with colleagues. With an intranet in place, employees can access all the resources and tools necessary to do their job, even remotely.
To create a successful intranet, it is essential to consider the needs of your employees. The intranet should be easy to navigate and use, and it should be designed to support collaboration and communication. You may want to consider using a platform that is customizable so that you can tailor it to the specific needs of your organization. Additionally, it is important to keep the intranet up to date with the latest information and resources.
Training: The Essential Step to Get the Most Out of Your Digital Infrastructure
Source: aws.amazon.com
Once you have an intranet in place, it is essential to ensure that your employees are trained to use it effectively. This will not only help to increase productivity but will also ensure that everyone’s on the same page in terms of how to use the tool best, from communicating with one another to collaborating on a project together.
Training can take many forms, depending on the needs of your organization. You may want to consider providing online training sessions that employees can access from anywhere, at any time. You may also want to consider creating video tutorials or written guides that employees can refer to when they need help with a particular aspect of the intranet or other digital communication tools.
It is also important to remember that training should not be a one-time event. As your organization evolves and new tools are introduced, it is essential to provide ongoing training to ensure that everyone is up to date with the latest developments. This way, your employees will always be equipped with the skills they need to use digital communication tools effectively.
In addition to providing training, creating a culture that values digital communication is essential. This can be achieved by encouraging employees to use digital tools for communication, collaboration, and information sharing. Thanks to the cloud, instant collaboration on digital assets, from brainstorming to the final project, are a breeze. Done right, digital collaboration on an Intranet system can actually be more effective than in-person methods.
Etiquette: Creating a List of Rules to Follow When Working Online
Source: potential.com
One of the most important aspects of remote work is etiquette. When working in a traditional office setting, there are certain rules and norms that everyone is expected to follow. Similarly, when working remotely, it is important to establish a set of rules that everyone can adhere to. This will help to create a sense of order and structure and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
When creating an etiquette list, it is important to consider the following:
- Communication: establish guidelines for communication channels and response times.
- Availability: establish guidelines for work hours and response times.
- Collaboration: establish guidelines for collaboration tools and expectations for team meetings.
- Privacy and Security: establish guidelines for handling sensitive information.
- Professionalism: establish guidelines for professional conduct and language.
By creating a set of rules and expectations, everyone on the team will clearly understand what is expected of them. This will help to prevent misunderstandings, increase productivity, and create a more positive work environment.
Flexibility: Give Employees the Chance to Work in a Way that Works Best for Them
Source: bbc.com
Another key component of a comprehensive digital communications strategy is flexibility. With remote work, employees have the opportunity to work from anywhere and at any time. This provides them with greater flexibility and can help to improve work-life balance. However, it is important to manage this flexibility properly to ensure that it does not lead to burnout or decreased productivity.
One way to provide employees with flexibility is to allow them to work on a flexible schedule. This means that they can work during the hours that work best for them rather than being confined to traditional office hours. This is particularly beneficial for those with responsibilities, like their family. It can even be a boon for those with an irregular sleeping schedule. Some people are naturally more productive later in the day. By being flexible, you can work out a schedule so they start later and end later, and as a result, get better results out of their work.
Another way to provide flexibility is to offer remote work options. Remote work is a standard today, even if you operate on a hybrid model. With remote work, those who live far from the office or have a long commute can take hours back from their day and put those into a healthier work/life balance. Remote work also better supports workers who are slightly sick. While that worker may feel fine, they could infect someone else who won’t react as well. By letting those feeling slightly under the weather or those with symptoms work from home, they can get better faster, and you can keep the rest of your staff healthy.
However, you will need the necessary tools and technologies to offer flexible work. Cloud-based programs are a great place to start. Follow up with a shift from hours-based work to a task-and-deadline approach to really make your workflow adaptable for every employee.
