The Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Synchronous Communication for Remote Teams
Communication is crucial for the success of any organization, whether it runs from a physical location or has team members located all over the world. However, when it comes to communicating, remote teams have a few additional factors that need to be considered. It is impossible to connect in person in a remote environment because it is impossible to walk into a manager’s office to ask a question or stop by a colleague’s desk to share an idea.
Businesses should prioritize determining how to maintain clear and flowing communication channels as they begin to incorporate remote work into their business models after the pandemic. Firms that already have remote workers need to look at their strategies for communicating with them more often to make sure they stay happy and productive at work.
When it comes to communication tactics, every company has two options: synchronous and asynchronous communication. So, in the following sections, we’ll talk about some of the essential pros and cons of synchronous communication.
Synchronous communication is when both parties are present at the exact location and time. The use of a chat room is one example of synchronous communication.
The Benefits of Synchronous Communication
1. The Power of Synchronous Communication
Synchronous communication can develop a sense of closeness that isn’t necessarily evident in asynchronous communication. Synchronous communication works well in situations that require a more personal touch, such as celebrations and important meetings. This is because having chats in real-time helps people feel connected and like they are part of a team. Synchronous communication works well in situations that require a more personal touch.
2. Real-time Interaction for Effective Communication
Meetings and other relationship-building activities work best in real-time when participants can get immediate responses, which is why synchronous communication is ideal for these types of events.
3. Obtaining Sensitive Information and Feedback
It’s a great way to obtain sensitive information or helpful criticism. Text messages that aren’t clear can be misunderstood easily, so it’s vital to use synchronous communication when talking about sensitive topics where there can’t be any room for confusion.
4. Enhancing Collaboration and Problem-Solving
Projects that necessitate lengthy discussions or brainstorming sessions perform best when carried out in real-time. This way, everyone will be able to contribute, and there will be no need to wait for many people to weigh in from different time zones. In the same way, synchronous communication is the best way for a team to work together quickly to solve a problem or deal with a disaster.
Disadvantages of Synchronous communication
1. Time zone differences
Since people today work in different parts of the world, it is increasingly challenging to find overlapping hours to meet in person. Some of your employees may be required to attend meetings outside of their usual working hours. This can make it hard for them to find a good balance between their work and personal lives.
2. Lower levels of productivity
When employees believe they are compelled to respond to every type of synchronous communication that is sent their way as soon as they get it, they lose the uninterrupted chunks of time required to do in-depth, important work.
3. More stressful
The constant pressure to be connected and answer instantly adds stress to the typical job priorities. According to some estimates, users spend ninety minutes actively engaged in work-related instant messaging every day. This amounts to an hour and a half of “lost” time that could have been spent doing more in-depth work.
