The sheer number of apps for employee communication platform is straight up dizzying. Slack, Microsoft Teams, Workplace by Facebook, Flock, Zoom, and the list goes on. How do you even begin to select the right platform for your needs?
As someone who has tested out way too many of these tools, let me save you some headaches. Not all communication software is created equal! After years of trials and tribulations, here are my top lessons learned on how to choose workplace collaboration tech that hits the mark:
1. Involve Team Leaders and Employees
Don’t go deciding on new communication software in a vacuum. The people actually using it day to day need to provide input on the tool’s strengths and weaknesses. Survey stakeholders across your organization to gauge what features matter most for their workflows.
After narrowing down a few contenders, let managers and employees rigorously test the user experience. Gather their hands-on feedback before cementing your choice. They’ll quickly spotlight if platforms are unintuitive or lack key capabilities.
2. Consider Your Unique Communication Needs
One size certainly does not fit all when it comes to digital workplace tools. Reflect on how your teams collaborate and pinpoint your unique communication requirements.
Do you need sophisticated meeting functionality? Robust project management features? Enterprise security? Chat and email integration? Define your ideal wishlist before ever looking at options.
3. Compare How Platforms Support Remote Workers
If rolling out software for remote teams, scrutinize how platforms are optimized for hybrid work. Using tools designed for office-based teams falls painfully short.
Evaluate mobile apps, offline access, cross-platform synching, and accessibility features. The user experience for distributed teams must be frictionless. Don’t settle for desktop-centric platforms.
4. Prioritize Speed and Reliability
Sluggish, buggy software is the bane of effective communication. Try out speed and uptime with team members across locations to mimic real usage strains with the best employee communication software.
Simulate appointments filling up calendars, teams video conferencing concurrently, 1000+ messages in chat – then see if performance remains snappy. Slow or glitchy apps destroy productivity.
5. Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership
Upfront software costs are just one piece of the puzzle. Also model expenses of training, support, network needs, integration, and ongoing maintenance.
Anticipate how your usage and headcount will evolve to determine true long-term costs. Project future requirements now before picking tools that box you in.higher, smarter business goals.
Choosing workplace communication tech is truly make or break. Move slowly and gather input from all stakeholders before deciding. Vet every option exhaustively against needs to find the platform that seamlessly facilitates collaboration. Don’t settle for the first enticing solution you stumble upon. With deliberate selection, the right software becomes a competitive advantage.