Communication Strategies for Deskless Employees in Remote Setup

In today’s digital age, remote work has become increasingly common and necessary. While this setup offers flexibility and convenience, it also poses challenges in communication and collaboration for deskless employees who are not physically present in a traditional office setting. In the current global crisis where many companies have shifted to remote work as a safety precaution, there is an even greater need for effective communication strategies geared towards deskless employees. This blog post dives into the world of remote work for deskless employees and explores various proven communication strategies that can help bridge the gap between them and their office-based counterparts.

Also Read: Mastering Internal Communication: A Comprehensive Guide for Modern Organizations

Challenges of Communication for Deskless Employees

For deskless workers, navigating the communication environment poses particular difficulties that may affect their performance and integration within a company. Some of the challenges of communication for deskless employees are discussed below:

a) Limited Access to Traditional Channels

The absence of frequent access to email and intranet for employees working from home compared to others who work from desks creates a communication gap. Given that over 80% of workers globally do not have a desk, they must have practical communication tools that meet their demands.

b) Difficulty with Real-time Communication

For deskless workers, instant messaging and quick calls—crucial for making decisions in real-time—are frequently inaccessible. This hampers their capacity to react quickly to work-related problems.

c) Varied Work Schedules and Locations

Deskless workers’ varied schedules and locations make it difficult to maintain constant communication, which often leads to missed updates and a lack of cohesive team spirit.

d) Feelings of Isolation and Disconnection

The physical separation of deskless employees from traditional office environments can result in feelings of loneliness, which may negatively impact their job delight and performance.

Taking care of these issues is essential to developing a knowledgeable, engaged, and well-connected deskless workforce.

Also Read: What are the Most Important Metrics for Internal Communications Success? 

Benefits of Effective Communication Strategies

Effective communication strategies provide a positive and exciting work atmosphere for any organization. The following is a list of the advantages of employing effective communication strategies:

a) Increased Employee Engagement and Morale

When employees are engaged, profitability rises by 21%, illustrating the significant impact that effective communication has on morale and income.

b) Improved Productivity and Efficiency

Effective communication can increase efficiency by as much as 202%, as demonstrated by the remarkable performance bump experienced by highly engaged teams.

c) Reduced Errors and Misunderstandings

Strong communications for deskless workers can dramatically reduce errors, resulting in a process that is more efficient and error-free.

d) Stronger Sense of Belonging and Company Culture

Inclusive communication plays a critical role in forming organizational culture, as indicated by studies showing a 50% decrease in turnover risk and a 56% boost in job performance when employees feel like they belong.

e) Increased Flow of Information and Feedback

A smooth information flow is ensured via open channels of communication. It improves feedback systems and decreases chances of miscommunication—all of which are essential for innovation and ongoing progress.

These aspects all point to the fact that effective communication involves more than just information sharing. It also involves nurturing a work culture that values understanding, coherence, and shared goals.

Also Read: The Impact of CMS on Employee Engagement and Satisfaction in Deskless Jobs

Communication Strategies for Deskless Employees

A systematic approach is needed to accommodate deskless employees in workplace communication. The divide between conventional office settings and the dynamics of remote work can be closed with the appropriate tools and methods discussed below:

1. The Right Tools

a) Mobile-friendly Apps for Communication and Task Management

It is essential to have mobile-friendly apps for task management and communication. 86% of executives and workers believe that insufficient tools for communication and collaboration are to blame for workplace mishaps. By keeping remote workers part of the company’s workflow, mobile apps help to maintain a knowledgeable and engaged workforce.

b) Instant Messaging Platforms with Offline Functionality

No matter where they are, staff members may always be informed thanks to the capability to send and receive messages without requiring an active internet connection. These platforms provide a sense of reliability and accessibility, empowering team members to fulfill their duties effectively and stay aligned with organizational goals at all times.

c) Walkie-talkie Apps for Real-time Communication

Real-time communication apps for walkie-talkies are revolutionizing teamwork. They make instant group discussions possible, which is essential in hectic work settings. This instantaneous communication can drastically increase output while lowering mistakes.

d) Knowledge-sharing Platforms for Training and FAQs

Information-sharing platforms greatly aid training and FAQs. By centralizing essential data, these systems facilitate easy access and encourage well-informed decision-making. This accessibility not only enhances efficiency but also promotes a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration among team members. 

e) Short Audio/Video Messages for Updates and Announcements

26% of marketers said that using brief audio/video messaging for announcements and updates has proven to be successful. Regardless of an employee’s location, this bite-sized communication can effectively provide critical information and keep them up to date on corporate happenings.

2. Content and Frequency

a) Tailor Messages to be Concise, Clear, and Easily Digestible

It’s essential to communicate concisely. Sentences that are clear and concise guarantee that crucial information is quickly comprehended and maintained. In actuality, improved communication clarity can boost productivity and lower mistakes made at work.

b) Utilize a Mix of Communication Channels to Cater to Different Preferences

A wide range of communication channels accommodate different employee preferences, increasing the message’s efficacy and reach. A multi-channel strategy is necessary for inclusive and effective communication.

c) Schedule Regular Updates and Announcements to Keep Everyone Informed

Updates on a regular basis guarantee that all teams are aware of and supportive of the employer’s targets. In addition to that, this technique promotes a sense of belonging and a common goal in the workplace.

d) Encourage Two-way Communication

Employee engagement relies upon two-way communication through questionnaires, polls, and comment structures. It fosters an administrative center lifestyle by giving workers a platform to express their thoughts and impact the agency’s path.

Also Read: Optimizing Your Employee Intranet for Improved Communication

3. Manager Training

a) Equip Managers with Communication Best Practices for Remote Deskless Teams

Managers need to be knowledgeable about remote deskless teams’ specific communication best practices. The goal of training programs should be to help managers overcome a lack of communication by educating them on how to use digital tools wisely and fostering an inclusive work environment for all members of the team.

b) Facilitate Regular Team Huddles and Virtual Check-ins

Maintaining team cohesion requires regular virtual check-ins and team huddles. They offer a forum for discussions, comments, and community building. The purpose of these brief, regular, and organized huddles should be to increase participation and efficiency.

c) Encourage Open Communication and Acknowledge Employee Concerns

A transparent workplace culture must promote open communication and recognize employee concerns. Managers must learn how to actively listen, offer constructive criticism, and establish a safe environment in which staff members can express their opinions.

Also Read: How to Foster a Culture of Open Communication in Your Organization? 

Parting Thoughts

Implementing mobile-friendly tools, a variety of communication channels, and frequent information updates can dramatically improve communication for deskless employees. These tactics boost output and efficiency, reinforce the company culture, and provide every worker with a sense of community. 

In the end, the deskless workforce’s full potential can only be realized through effective communication, which maintains a steady flow of information and feedback at all organizational levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can one tell whether the deskless staff communication strategy is effective?

To understand if the communication strategy is effective, it is recommended to keep tabs on app usage, administer surveys, and host open forums. Check to see if deskless employees feel knowledgeable, involved, and encouraged.

2. In what way can organizations conduct regular virtual check-ins for the deskless workforce?

Organizations can schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings where team members can join from their mobile devices or computers to discuss updates, challenges, and goals. Additionally, using messaging apps allows for quick and informal check-ins throughout the week, keeping communication channels open and accessible.