WFH Remote HR teams

Four Ways to Improve Collaboration in Your Remote HR Team

The new remote work culture is not something that we are used to, and so we are having a hard time adjusting to this new work format. Indeed, it is one of the biggest challenges that we are facing since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus is adapting to remote work.

According to a recent buffer study:

  • 22% of the people face problem in unplugging from work
  • 19% face loneliness issues
  • 17% face issues with collaboration and communication.

Unplugging from work can be taught, and the issue can be resolved, but the HR team has a great role to play if the company wants to resolve the issue of communication and collaboration. This means that HR leaders need a plan to maintain effective communication.

The question is, how can HR professionals help collaborate when they are not under the same roof? Remote work is new for them as well. Here are a few ways we have figured out which will help develop better communication and collaboration amongst your team members.

1.    Use a Project Management Software

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the HR team in any corporation has the most work on their plate. From recruiting to planning out new work strategies, they perform dozens of tasks each day.

The HR team works in collaboration with all other departments to ensure that the resources are being utilized effectively. Collaboration during remote work is even more challenging than it is with all the employees under the same roof.

Since we are not used to working from home, it is a challenge to showcase our productivity from the comfort of our houses. Moreover, HR teams face barriers in keeping everyone on the same track because face-to-face conversations leave less room for error as compared to email or virtual conversations.

To overcome this barrier, we suggest the usage of project management software. Project management software can help the HR team in updating each employee, assigning tasks, and checking on their progress, all in one place.

It makes it easier to plan and organize things accordingly. This software promotes communication and collaboration amongst all the employees. A bonus is that it helps you keep track of the set goals and ensures that the individuals are performing their tasks on time and the team is continuously moving forward.

What is more, most project management software isn’t expensive, so you don’t have to worry about going out of budget. Some low-cost software with wonderful features are:

  • ProofHub
  • Trello
  • Asana

HR teams can use this software to collaborate better while working remotely.

2.    Create a Communication Channel Guide

Improper channels of communication are one of the biggest concerns when working from home. As communication is the key to collaboration, choosing the wrong channel of communication will adversely affect your team and organizational collaboration.

How will employees find out what mode of communication or sharing files and useful information is to be followed unless you tell them? You must clarify the medium of communication through which any category of information is to be shared. Or else, it will result in everything being jumbled up and create problems in communication.

The solution is as simple as it could get. Create a document that includes instructions and guidelines regarding which platform to use in what case. Make sure you email it to every member of the team.

  • Video calls: for weekly meetings and discussions
  • One-on-One calls: to understand personal tasks and address complex queries
  • Emails: to share documents, for questions that can wait and not have to be answered immediately, to notify or update regarding work
  • Messaging application: for instant contact, and non-essential conversations

Businesses work differently. Whatever communication platform suits the entire team should be prioritized. The goal is to communicate effectively, not to create discomfort or difficulty for the team.

3.    Video Conferencing

Isn’t it amazing that your HR team is getting everything done on email and text messages? However, video calling is always a great idea.

There are several ways in which video conferencing may help you collaborate better as a team. Some of the ways that video conferencing benefit your teams are:

  • It makes you realize how much everyone loves to work as a team.
  • Increases the willingness to work
  • It ensures that healthy interactions are maintained from time to time, which cannot be done via written messages
  • Video conferencing also helps new members fit into the family. It is a great way for them to get to know the colleagues and other people they will be working with

While we communicate via written messages and emails, it isn’t easy to understand the tone and intentions of the speaker. You can also pay attention to their body language and facial expressions during a video call. Video conferencing removes the chances of misunderstanding in communication. Also, while speaking, there are no restrictions, and our point of view can be explained better than in written communication, as there are a few limitations.

No matter how many miles apart each member of the team is working remotely, it gives you a feeling of oneness and levels up the motivation for work.

4.    Use Online Team Building Techniques

Planning online team-building can create a huge difference. The better the coordination between your HR team and the employees, the better the work performance. A few ideas for online activities are:

  • Online question-answer sessions regarding their personal preferences
  • Arranging themed discussions and giving everyone a chance to speak
  • Celebrating birthdays and other small occasions to show that you care about them, not just their work

Make sure during the entire remote work period; you constantly appreciate their efforts in giving their best to the company as times aren’t easy and everyone is doing their best just to survive. Showing care will make them loyal, and they might as well work harder.

Conclusion

Since most of us are not used to this lifestyle, therefore it gets difficult to cope up with the challenges we face due to remote work. Communication is the key, and it has been emphasized everywhere in life; multiple times throughout this article. To improve collaboration with your remote HR team, follow some of the ways we have guided you through, and you will be amazed by the output.

About the Author

Shaheryar Sadiq is a writer. His educational background in business studies helps him in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing.


 

Enjoyed this post? You may also like this related HRchat podcast episode