Today, it is more important than ever to make sure that all parts of your business are on the same page. Because there are a lot of companies that have employees working from home, it is important for you to do everything you can to make sure they communicate appropriately. Unfortunately, a lot of companies have set something up called silos. This means that many employees only operate in a specific silo. They do not realize what is happening outside of their bubbles. As a result, many members of your company might not be on the same page. As a part of integrated business planning, what can you do to break down some of these silos? Take a look at a few examples below.
Use Communication Apps That Keep People Together
First, you should invest in communication apps that can help you keep your business professionals on the same page. Unfortunately, text messages and email communications are not enough. You need to use a mobile application that will go right to the pockets of your employees. That way, all of your employees will be able to set up different chats relevant to the teams they are on. This can be an important part of helping you make sure that all of your employees know what is happening on their project. This will also make it easier for your supervisors to tell what is happening.
Invest in Advanced File Sharing Software
Next, you need to invest in advanced file-sharing software. Pretty much everyone has experienced what happens when there are multiple copies of the same file floating around. Perhaps it gets locked, meaning that people cannot edit it. Maybe there are so many versions that people cannot figure out which one is the correct version. That is why you need to use software programs that will allow your employees to work on the document at the same time. That way, your employees do not have to worry about using a version that is outdated. Furthermore, this can save your employees a lot of time because they do not have to wait for the file to come free before they work on it.
Use Continuing Education To Keep Your Employees Interactive
If you want your employees to interact with one another, you might want to invest in continuing education. This is important because the business world is changing quickly. If you want to keep up with these changes, then you have to make sure your employees are familiar with everything that is happening. The only way you can do that is if you make sure they are up to date on the best practices in the field. If your employees go to training together, they will have an opportunity to interact with one another. This is a great way for them to get to know each other just a bit better.
Use the Right Software Programs
Of course, you also have to make sure you use the right software programs. What this means is that you have to make sure that your hardware and software programs can talk to one another. A lot of companies have countless tools in different departments. Some tools work better for different departments. At the same time, these tools do not necessarily talk to one another. What happens is that this creates a virtual silo. Files have to be converted before they can be sent to other departments. This makes it harder for your departments to stay on the same page, which means that you may have a difficult time making ends meet.
Go To Conventions and Conferences in Your Industry
Finally, you also need to make sure that you attend conferences and conventions in your industry. Even though you want to give your employees the option to work from home, it is still important to get them out of the house from time to time. That way, they can interact with one another. One of the best ways to do that is to encourage your employees to go to conventions that will provide them with information that is relevant to their job. You might even want to consider paying for the travel expenses to make that happen.
Break Down Work Silos
These are just a few of the best ways you can break down some of the silos that have developed in the business world. It can be a significant challenge for you to get your employees to work together, particularly when so many of them are working from home. Fortunately, there are lots of tools you can use to make this easier. If you need help evaluating these software programs, then reach out to professionals who can help you. That way, you can place your business in the best position possible to be successful.
