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IM on it! Why Instant Messaging is Collaboration’s Secret Weapon

Aug 12, 2016
‎ |‎ Axxys Technologies
‎ |‎ Blog

I.M. collaboration
Implementing an instant messaging (IM) platform is important for productivity and efficiency for teams of all sizes. Enabling a system for quick, informal, easy-to-reference mobile chats keeps teams connected for work collaborations—resulting in a major value-add to your business continuity.

How much value, exactly? Businesses that have embraced instant messaging practice have seen remarkable improvements in productivity and streamlined communication. According to a survey of employees using chat services conducted by SoftwareAdvice.com, 75 percent saw decreased call and email volume, and 66 percent noticed quick resolution for simple questions. When it comes to productivity, 21 percent noted either moderate or significant increase.

As company-wide IM benefits become clear, more and more businesses are getting on board. If you’re interested in these benefits but are wary to ensure proper implementation and use throughout your company, provide best practices for your employees to reference to increase productivity and reduce frustrating growing pains.

Don’t shoot the messenger

The following five best practices help ensure successful adoption and usage of IM in your organization:

Provide a company-wide solution

Don’t require employees to use personal accounts; implement a company-provided instant messaging offering. This will streamline features and allow all your employees to find each other to chat.

Choose a secure solution with robust features

Compliance standards (like HIPPA, DPAS and FISMA, FERPA and banking) apply to more than just email and other secure information sources. Ensure that all your business communication tools align with common compliance standards.

Integrate with other collaboration tools

Standalone instant messengers can leave employees with cumbersome roadblocks. Ensure your solution integrates seamlessly with other tools like business email, phone and video conferencing. Encourage employees to start conversations within project-specific documentation, so that the goal of the conversation remains clear and important information can be easily referenced.

Empower employees to set and respect boundaries

Being reachable 24/7 is unrealistic and sets up your employees for burnout. Encourage colleagues to mute their instant messaging tool for periods of private productivity and focus, then remind co-workers to respect that virtual space.

Don’t replace email completely

Instant messaging is a great option to communicate with even the most inbox-overwhelmed colleagues. But, instant messaging should not replace email or other collaboration tools that are core to keeping record of memorialized conversations. Set standards and show examples of the types of content best handled via IM, email or other project management tools. A general rule is length, if the message will contain more than a few words or sentences, email remains the best option.

A valuable tool for company-wide collaboration, IM should be used to keep employees productive—not distracted or stressed. By implementing and encouraging best practices and sticking with a solution that includes everything you need to implement these practices at the outset, you can see skyrocketing productivity and results.

Want to see collaboration with IM and learn how you can use it in your business?  Click Here and schedule a demonstration and see first hand how Axxys integrates IM, presence, video and calling to improve productivity.

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