The pandemic has promoted a number of changes at the working level which are tied to the development of technologies that allow us to communicate in a quick, effective and, somehow, close way. The use of platforms such as Slack and Teams has become a routine for many workers. There, in those spaces, they have found new meeting points to stay connected with their coworkers.
If we compare how our communication was at a company level before the appearance of COVID-19 and how it is now, we will note that the platforms we currently use try –as much as possible- to offer options similar as the ones we would have in person. In them we have the possibility of keeping public, private or group communications, separated by topics of interest, making calls or video calls, talking via chat, searching information through filters, connecting with other applications and so on, they give us different connection means to keep in touch. Additionally, we can use them from our computers, tablets or smartphones.
While now communication codes have changed to the extent that we express our emotions with emoticons or gifs, it’s important to remember that we also have to strive to call and see each other because the sound and image of the other person play a key role in the development of our interpersonal relationships.
What's positive of using digital communication tools
- They promote the integration of work teams.
- They facilitate the monitoring of processes.
- They contribute to improving productivity.
- They boost collaboration between coworkers.
- They allow the integration of other programs.
- They facilitate communication more clearly and effectively.
- They reduce the sending of emails.
- They optimize the management of information.
- They save time.
- They are less invasive than other communication channels.
In order to enjoy the benefits the use of these tools presents at a communicational level, it’s essential to keep an attitude of openness, be willing to learn, ask for help if there are doubts about the functioning of the platforms and accept digitization as part of the new occupational evolution worldwide. It’s better to go with the flow alongside technology than to show resistance.
How do you feel when using these communication channels? Do they facilitate your professional life? We invite you to think about these questions and, if you want to, share your opinion with us in the comments.
