During times of crisis, one of the biggest challenges for global businesses of all sizes is how to stay connected to both employees and customers. Despite the rapid advances in business communication technology in modern times, most business operations still occurred in a central, physical location like an office building. As crises disrupt the ability of employees to make it to this location, or for customers to make it to physical storefronts, businesses find their operations heavily impeded. Business owners around the world are looking in to technologies to maintain lines of communication, ensure worker productivity, and keep businesses running smoothly. Here are the communication applications that business owners are turning to in order to stay connected in times of crisis.
Instant Messaging Applications
One way that global businesses are fostering communication between team members is with instant messaging applications. These messaging apps function similarly to phone text messaging, but tend to be faster as they are used on desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices. In addition to messaging between single users, many of these apps also allow open channels of communication where users can reach many of their coworkers at once. Beyond simple plain text, many instant messaging apps also allow users to send pictures, videos, and most files as long as they are below a certain size. This technology has allowed businesses to stay in contact with employees despite crises.
Video Conferencing Software
Another way that businesses of all sizes are staying connected during times of crisis is through video conferencing software. Since facial expressions and body language are an important aspect of conversation, being able to see coworkers over video helps communication. This technology also allows a simulation of a meeting to take place, letting employees take directions from and field questions to other team members like they would in a normal office setting. This way, employees and employers alike can get a clear sense of how everyone else is doing. By getting together in one space, it solves the issue of physical distance. While enterprise level video software often costs money, it is well worth it for many business owners. In fact, the best video conferencing software tools can even encourage collaboration in the workplace
Business Phone Systems
Business phone systems offer a way for business owners to stay in touch with both their clientele and their employees during difficult times. For supporting day to day operations, phone calls serve as a half-way point between the speed of an instant message and the detail of a full video conference. For businesses that still require employees to do field work, a dedicated phone line lets employers contact their agents who might be away from their computers. For other businesses, using the best business phone system can help ease the burden of customer service while keeping a line of communication open to the public. Business owners should know that cell phones still represent the best form of on-the-go communication available to most people
Small Business Email Accounts
During normal operations, business email is an important tool for communication and marketing. Of course, it only becomes more critical during times of crisis. Small businesses in particular benefit from making the most out of their email accounts during uncertain times. It is the main way they can reach their customers without the customers needing to leave their homes. For businesses that have been caught off guard by a crisis, they can also serve as a way of setting up every other method of communication since many if not all modern businesses have the email addresses of their employees. Email accounts, especially for small businesses, are a good way for business owners to communicate to employees and customers that many already have set up. To increase professionalism and consistency across your business communications, you can even consider using an email signature.
Online Meeting Software
Beyond video or phone conference systems, online meeting software allows employers to set team goals and check on employee progress despite physical distance. This software works to facilitate phone or video meetings by scheduling them in advance, or setting them up at regular intervals. Beyond that, this type of software can also be used to coordinate employee tasks remotely by setting goals, assigning jobs, and allowing employees to report on progress. This technology can be a way for business owners to digitize office cork boards or memos to retain that functionality during times of crisis. Setting up repeatable tasks and markers of productivity is vital to business owners during difficult times.
In troubled times, global businesses need to supplement their existing communication infrastructure with new and existing technologies to maintain their operations. These businesses need instant messaging applications to effortlessly send and receive memos from coworkers. Video conferencing technology can be used to simulate normal office meetings. Business phone systems allow work away from computers and offices to remain in communication with the office at all times. Small businesses that can’t afford robust communication systems can still rely on email accounts to reach both customers and employees. Finally, online meeting software lets business owners set deliverables, planning effective meetings, and report on progress automatically. Global business owners should look towards these technologies to stay connected in times of crisis.
