How team messaging apps make workplace communication easier

The continuous need for better and more effective collaboration among employees is driving companies to implement team messaging apps at their workplace. When these messaging apps are utilized properly, they can boost productivity and improve employee engagement by promoting teamwork. Though team messengers may not replace emails completely, they can cut down the use of emails significantly. 

 Team messaging apps are becoming indispensable for companies as they include widely used features such as group chats, voice & video calling, file transfers, real-time collaboration across all devices. Besides these apps are available at a fraction of the cost compared to buying a separate app for each feature. What has made these apps ever more critical is they are enabling deeper integration with all the other third-party applications that the companies are already using. The global team messaging app market has already touched $1.9 billion and it is continuing to grow at a scorching pace.

Let’s see how these messaging apps are helping teams to communicate better and stay on the same page to fulfil the company’s objectives, while meeting the external commitments in terms of project deadlines and deliveries. 

• Real-time availability

Messaging apps enable everyone in the team to have two-way communications so that everybody can ask a question and get an answer quickly. Unlike email, text messages usually receive a response within 90 seconds. This kind of faster and transparent way of information exchange helps everybody in the team to make faster and smarter decisions. 

• Virtual conferences

When everybody in a team has access to a world-class messaging system, employees don’t have to be physically present for meetings. The latest messaging apps are equipped with audio and video calls that are as good as face-to-face meetings. This has not only helped companies to improve their internal and external communication, they have also provided enormous cost-savings in terms of reduced business travel, accommodation, food etc.

•  Attracting talent  

According to a Nielsen Facebook Messaging Survey, 65% of millennials and 63% of baby boomers have indicated that they prefer to chat one-to-one or with a group. Given the fact that millennials spend about 5.7 hours a day on the phone, a messenger app that has both desktop and mobile options goes a long way in improving workplace communication. Messaging apps that can be accessed through smartphones are mandatory for attracting the younger generation.

• Facilitate remote working

Nobody can deny the fact that the nature of the workplace is changing. Organizations are making a rapid departure from the 9-5 culture as more and more employees are seeking work-from-home options. Business Insider reported that 50% of the workforce will be working remotely by 2020. Another survey points out that 77% of millennials feel they would be more productive in a flexible workplace. Companies can also look to attract the best talent if they can communicate effectively with their remote workforce. These problems can be addressed through a good messaging app.

• Global teams  

Since most of the messaging apps are based on a cloud-model, employees are able to access them from anywhere, anytime. With these apps, employees are able to find all the information in one place and there is no need to stress over any missing information. Besides employees can use these tools from any location and time zone. Geography is no longer a limitation to build an effective team.

• Improved project management

Project management becomes a nightmare when the team communicates using various apps for various purposes. Using a single unified messaging system helps manage the team’s time and consistently meet deadlines.. Having access to all information at one place increases productivity, and allows for more accountability. 

• Deeper employee engagement

Effective messaging apps are crucial for improving team morale and building work relationships. Companies of all sizes agree that workplace communication should get high priority. A Salesforce report says that 86% of corporate executives feel ineffective communications is one of the big reasons for workplace failure. Messaging apps can make or break organizations. 

 Newer and latest technological advancements like bots and artificial intelligence will continue to evolve, making the workplace communication more interesting. Check here