Collaboration trends are transforming the way we work, and keeping up with them is essential to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business world. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for efficient collaboration as remote work became the norm. Organizations that adapted quickly and found innovative ways to work together were the ones that succeeded in this new reality.
Top-performing workers spend 45% of their time on the job working individually, 45% of their time on the job working collaboratively, and 10% of their time on the job learning and socializing.
Studies show that almost 50% of an employee’s work hours are spent teaming up with colleagues towards a common business goal. That’s why one of your main goals is to implemented collaboration best practices to streamline this process and achieve maximum efficiency by following up with these trending tips on optimizing internal communication.
Now, as we look to the future, it’s clear that the elements of collaboration will remain a crucial factor for achieving business goals and staying competitive. From the latest team collaboration software to best practices, there are exciting new ways that can take your team to the next level.
The collaboration trends are:
Trend #1- Hybrid Work Models
The shift to remote work during the pandemic has led to a rise in hybrid work models, which combine remote and in-person work.
In the past, many high-level managers lacked trust in their team’s ability to work remotely due to a lack of effective internal communication tools. However, this mindset has rapidly changed, with more organizations embracing remote work practically overnight.
This model proved to be the ultimate choice for employees as it gives them the flexibility to work in a way that suits their personal preferences and circumstances while also allowing for in-person meetings and catchups.
This have allowed employees to eliminate the time needed to commute back and forth to the office while also allowing businesses to reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining large physical offices.
As per Forbes, in 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model.
Trend #2- Virtual Tools
The use of digital transformation tools is one of the top collaboration trends that is transforming the way we work. With hybrid and remote work are becoming the norm, many tools such as online chat, video conferencing, product/project management software have become essential for all teams to stay connected and productive.
During the latest pandemic, video conferencing saw a huge rise in usage to the point that one of the largest providers was on the edge of going offline due to servers’ shortage. Nowadays many provide the ability to share screen, record, and add virtual backgrounds, making it easier for teams to work together and share information.
The below image will show you the spike in Zoom revenue during the pandemic due to the shift of employees working in a new norm.
Trend #3- More AI Adoption
Surely, we can’t talk about the latest collaboration trends without mentioning one of the top rising technology AI. Artificial intelligence also will start making its ways to improve how team communicate and work together to achieve certain business goals on time and budget.
Some of the advanced technologies include voice assistants with specialized roles, predictive filtering systems for notifications, and CoBots that can interact with humans to optimize processes. These are going to be a game changer to over challenges related to employees working together.
Trend #4- Knowledge Sharing and Learning
To create an innovate workspace, organization must ace the process of knowledge sharing between their team members.
One way organizations are promoting knowledge sharing is through the use of digital knowledge management software. These platforms enable teams to document and share their knowledge and experiences, making it easier for others in the organization to access and learn from them. They also allow teams to work together and build upon each other’s ideas, leading to increased creativity and innovation.
Trend #5- Agile Methodologies
Agile methodologies are one of the key collaboration trends because they encourage and promote communication, transparency, and customer centric approach to project management.
This has been a hot topic in most industries specially in the software development domain as it allows the team to deliver product faster for stakeholders to collect feedback and be more ready for the public release to the market.
Trend #6- Collaborative Workflows and Automation
To maximize team outputs and deliver value fast to customers, organizations should prioritize the automation of their internal processes specially the ones that usually need extra manual work and lots of information researching. This can free up team members to focus on higher-value tasks that require more creativity and critical thinking.
One example of workflow automation is robotic process automation (RPA). RPA involves using software robots to automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, allowing team members to focus on more complex and strategic work. Another example is workflow management software, which can automate and streamline workflows by providing a centralized platform.
This will surely bring significant benefits to businesses including better customer support, improved productivity, and higher employees morale.
Trend #7- Better Document Management Strategy
A clear document management strategy is a key trend because it ensures that all team members have access to the information and resources they need to work together effectively. By adopting one of the best document collaboration tools for organizing and sharing documents, organizations can minimize confusion and errors, increase productivity, and foster better communication and collaboration.
Without a clear strategy, teams may struggle to find the documents they need, waste time creating duplicate or outdated versions of documents, or risk compromising the security of sensitive information.
Trend #8- Virtual and Augmented Reality
By leveraging VR and AR technologies, teams can transcend geographical barriers and immerse themselves in shared virtual spaces. In VR, team members don headsets to enter a simulated environment where they can interact with each other and digital objects in real-time.
This goes beyond traditional video conferencing by providing a more immersive and engaging collaborative experience. AR, on the other hand, overlays digital information onto the real world to help team members interact with digital content while still being present in their physical surroundings.
Trend #9- Enterprise Social Networking
Enterprise Social Networking (ESN) has emerged as one of the latest collaboration trends due to its ability to foster communication and knowledge sharing within organizations. As workplaces become more diversified, with remote and global teams becoming the norm, ESN provide a digital space for employees to connect in a manner akin to popular social media platforms.
ESN often include features like discussion forums, file sharing, and project collaboration spaces, creating a centralized hub for information exchange. This trend is driven by the recognition that a more connected and engaged workforce can lead to improved innovation, problem-solving, and overall productivity.
