Importance of communication is appearing on the radar constantly during different assignments performed individually as well as in the team. Communication face to face is in most cases the best. People know that, but in the time of the pandemic, remote working and world widespread connections video call might be what’s available at best. Even that can be a treat, while most of the information exchanged in text messages and emails.
Experience showed that some written communication channels are significantly better than the others.
At this point, it seems to be clear that WhatsApp is not a good idea for business communication. Security issues are placing that messaging platform at the bottom of the list. Lack of user management, vulnerability to malware attacks and simply not being compliant with European General Data Protection Regulation are just a few examples. WhatsApp themselves prohibit work related use.
“You will not use (or assist others in using) our Services in ways that: (f) involve any non-personal use of our Services unless otherwise authorised by us.” (terms of service)
The real problem is the confusion WhatsApp can create. Multiple groups with the same people, unprofessional names and inability to search-through results with disjointed communication which kills the flow and productivity. Information flow lives its own life in the app since admin control is very limited and makes it hard to manage. It’s difficult and time consuming to find information even from a few days back. Besides that, most of the workers don’t actually want to chat with their boss on their free-time, many feel that it blurs the line between work and private life. In the times when we can be reached anywhere and anytime, we need to put an effort to set the boundaries. After that right standard of communication channels.
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