Let’s Talk About Remote Communication: The Good, The Bad, and The Really Awkward, by Ruth Oji
I am simply going to have a chat with you today. ? Have you ever sent a “quick email” only to spend the next hour anxiously wondering if your tone came across wrong? Trust me, I’ve been there! As someone who’s navigated the choppy waters of remote work communication, I’ve had my fair share of facepalm moments – like that time I used the wrong emoji in a message to my boss (note to self: the crying-laughing face isn’t always appropriate in professional settings, is it?).
Let’s be honest: working remotely has changed how we talk to each other, hasn’t it? Gone are the days of casual tea break chats and reading your colleague’s expression across the table. Instead, we’re all trying to decode messages like “Ok.” (Period included – but what does it mean?!) You know that feeling when you’re on your fifth Zoom call of the day, wearing a professional top paired with pajama bottoms?
Remote communication isn’t just about the clothes we can hide – it’s about navigating a whole new world of interaction. Through trial and error (mostly error, if I’m being honest), I’ve discovered some approaches that actually work. Keep it short and sweet (because nobody needs another essay-length email), use emojis strategically (I learned this after the boss incident =ØÞ), and break up text with bullet points (you’re reading this easily, aren’t you?).
Speaking of lessons learned the hard way, here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: you don’t need to be available 24/7 just because you’re working remotely. Shocking, right? I used to respond to Teams messages and emails at midnight, thinking it would make me look more dedicated. Don’t be like old me. These days, I’ve learned to use my Teams status effectively – “Focus time until 2 PM” or “Writing – back at 3 PM” works wonders, doesn’t it?
the midnight oil. Game-changer! The same goes for choosing the right channel for your message. Got a quick question? Drop it in Teams chat. Need to explain something complex? Jump on a Zoom or Teams call. Want to share weekend plans? Maybe save that for the team’s WhatsApp group. Speaking of channels, I once spent 15 minutes giving a detailed project update in our team’s “Friday Fun” Teams channel. Nothing like mixing business with pleasure – or in this case, confusing everyone!
You know what’s fascinating about remote work? We actually have to learn to be “present” while being physically absent. Sounds like a paradox, doesn’t it? I’ve found that the key lies in how we show up in these virtual spaces. It’s about reacting to messages with meaningful responses (not just a thumbs up), sharing what we’re working on regularly (it helps teams feel connected), and sometimes using voice messages when text feels too impersonal but a call feels too formal. These small gestures can make a world of difference in building real connections across digital spaces.
Sometimes we actually communicate better remotely when we make an effort to be more human – funny how that works, isn’t it? I’ve discovered that starting meetings with a quick “How was your weekend?” (but maybe skip the detailed story about your cat’s latest adventures) can set the perfect tone. Sharing small wins with your team (they want to celebrate with you, don’t they?) and being honest about having a rough day (we’re all human, after all!) creates an atmosphere of trust and authenticity that transcends the digital divide.
Now, let’s talk about something we can’t escape – video calls. They’re not going anywhere. After countless hours on camera, I’ve picked up a few survival tricks that might save your sanity. Position your camera at eye level (nobody needs to see up your nose), make friends with natural light (trust me on this one), and remember it’s okay to turn off your video sometimes (we all have bad hair days, don’t we?). And here’s something nobody talks about enough – the importance of virtual meeting etiquette. Ever had someone eat a crunchy snack with their microphone on? Not fun, is it? Or that one colleague who always forgets they’re on mute? We’ve all been there, and these moments remind us that we’re all still figuring this out together.
When it comes to written communication, I’ve learned that the key is to keep it real. Imagine you’re talking to a real person (wild concept, I know!). Instead of “Per my previous email” (ouch!), try “As we discussed earlier.” See the difference? It’s amazing how a few simple words can completely change the tone of a conversation, isn’t it? Let’s face it – we’re all doing a complicated dance with technology these days. Some days we’re as coordinated as a wedding dance train, other days we’re like that awkward moment when you’re called to dance at an owambe and forget your steps. I’ve learned to embrace the awkward moments: when your Wi-Fi decides to throw a tantrum during an important presentation, that moment when you forget to turn off Teams backgrounds and show up as a floating head, or the eternal “Can you hear me now?” dance we all know too well. These moments of imperfection? They make us human.
At the end of the day, remote communication doesn’t have to be complicated or robotic. Think of it as having a conversation – just through a screen. We’re all figuring this out together, and that’s perfectly okay! Remember: the goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection. Sometimes that means sending a funny GIF in Teams to brighten someone’s day, or jumping on a quick video call just to say “Great job!” Because at the end of the day, we’re not just colleagues behind screens – we’re people trying to work together in this brave new digital world. So, shall we make the most of it? After all, remote work isn’t just the future – it’s our present, and we might as well get comfortable with it, right?
