Anyone who has ever worked on a team knows that communication is key to success. Whether it's sharing ideas, coordinating tasks, or simply checking in with one another, being able to communicate effectively can make all the difference in achieving collective goals.
However, with team members often working remotely or across different time zones, maintaining efficient communication can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are now a variety of online platforms designed specifically for team collaboration.
These platforms make it possible for team members to easily share files and messages in real-time, no matter where they are located. Plus, they offer video conferencing capabilities, so you can hold virtual meetings or keep in touch with each other.
By leveraging these digital tools, businesses can create a more connected and cohesive workforce — one that is better equipped to collaborate and succeed. This article outlines eight of the best communication platforms that you can use to tighten the bonds between your employees.
For Work:
1. Slack
Slack allows you to create a dedicated space for each project that you have, making it easy to keep everyone on the same page and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
But what really sets Slack apart is its ability to facilitate collaboration between team members. With features like threaded conversations and mentions, it's no longer a hassle to have a productive back-and-forth without things getting too mixed up.
Website content writers, for example, are all too familiar with the hither and thither of the editing process. Multiple rounds of revisions can quickly become confusing, especially when comments are scattered across different channels and files. Slack helps you keep track of changes and have discussions about the content in real-time.
Also, because content writers are often working with other team members, such as graphic designers and website developers, Slack's integration with other tools like Google Drive and Dropbox is a big plus when it comes to sharing documents and files in an instant.
2. Trello
Trello is a project management tool that lets you stay organized by creating project boards, adding tasks, giving deadlines, and assigning team members. With its simple interface, project managers can quickly see what needs to be done and who is working on what.
Trello also makes it easy to add comments and files, which is great for providing feedback or sharing resources. And because it's cloud-based, Trello can be accessed from anywhere, making it perfect for team members who are spread out across the globe.
If you’re at the helm of a website marketing company or full-service digital agency, Trello is worth giving a try.
3. InVision
InVision is a great collaboration tool for professional graphic designers. It allows you to create prototypes, mockups, and wireframes that you can test and share with others for feedback or approval. It's also a great way to keep track of your progress on a design project.
Overall, InVision is a powerful tool that can help streamline the design process and make collaboration easier.
4. GoVisually
At its heart, GoVisually is a collaboration platform that allows you to get feedback on your work. If you're working on a design project, GoVisually provides an easy way for graphic designers to upload your files and invite others to review them.
Once they're in the system, users can leave comments on specific parts of the file, or have general discussions about the project as a whole. You can also keep track of each stage of the project from the centralized platform, which makes it easy to stay organized even if you're working on multiple projects at once.
In short, GoVisually is all about convenience and control — two things that are essential for any successful collaboration.
5. GoToMeeting
If you are managing a remote team, GoToMeeting makes it easy to stay connected. With HD video and crisp audio, GoToMeeting lets you see and hear your colleagues as if you were all in the same room.
And with screen sharing, you can quickly share documents or presentations. Best of all, GoToMeeting is simple to use and doesn't require any special software. All you need is an internet connection and a computer or mobile device.
When used correctly, GoToMeeting can help promote open communication, collaboration, and trust among team members.
For Team-Building Activities:
1. Scavify
Most people work better when they feel like they're part of a team. There's a sense of camaraderie and cooperation that comes from working together towards a common goal.
That’s where Scavify comes in. Scavify is, as the name implies, a scavenger hunt app. It creates unique scavenger hunts that connect people in ways that traditional events can't. Whether it's a corporate team-building event or a birthday party, its scavenger hunts are designed to get people thinking, laughing, and working together.
Scavify is a great app for teams who need a break from all the serious work — all while promoting teamwork.
2. playmeo
By their very nature, playmeo’s online interactive group games require players to communicate in order to achieve a common goal. This makes them ideal for building teamwork skills.
With over 1,000 games in its database, playmeo has something for every team. From icebreakers to problem-solving exercises, each game is designed to help players learn how to work together more effectively.
If you're leading a corporate team, playmeo can help you take your teamwork to the next level.
3. Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a game-based platform that can be used to promote teamwork and collaboration, especially among remote employees. By setting up challenges and quizzes, employees can work together to earn points and prizes.
Kahoot! also encourages social interaction by allowing users to chat with each other during the game. As a result, Kahoot! can help to build rapport and camaraderie among employees even if they are separated by geography.
In addition, Kahoot! can be used to promote learning and knowledge sharing. By providing employees with a fun and interactive way to learn new information, Kahoot! can help to improve job performance and productivity.
Hence, Kahoot! is a valuable tool for promoting teamwork, camaraderie, and learning in the workplace.
Of course, there are still many other options out there, but these are eight of the most popular and user-friendly ones. With a little trial and error, you should be able to find the right platform for your team. And once you do, you'll be amazed at how much more efficient and productive your team can be!