Top 10 Business Communication Trends

Nowhere is technological advancement more evident than in communications. It didn’t take

more than a few years for the entire communications arena to change thanks to
technological advancements such as mobile technology, Wi-Fi, and the cloud. To stay
competitive, businesses need to embrace change and evolve alongside it. Here are the top
10 business communication trends that companies need to keep up with in order to be
future-ready.

1. Continued Shift Towards Mobile

Today, most server-based applications are being reconfigured to enable them to run on
smartphones and tablets. Smartphones offer benefits such as portability, convenience, and
ease of use when incorporated into the business world. Considering the fact that more
employees today use tablets compared to PCs or laptops, mobile-based applications are
the way to go.

2. Growth of Cloud Communication Services

Cloud technology has enabled businesses to integrate their workforce, compete more
effectively, and improve customer satisfaction. Businesses looking for cost-effective
solutions are rapidly adopting hosted VoIP.

3. Unified Communications

The integration of real-time and near-real-time communication systems is a trend that can’t
be avoided. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) capabilities include video
solutions, integrated audio and web conferencing, and telephony and collaboration that is
delivered as a part of a business application.

4. Mobile Phones Replacing Office Phones

For many businesses, smartphones have become a good alternative to traditional desk
phones. Smartphones offer benefits such as storage capabilities, accessibility of applications,
and on-the-go use. The popularity of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) strategy is expected to
grow as employees become more mobile and less dependent on desktop devices.
5. Cloud-Based IT Networks

These IT networks allow users to access applications and files from any location or device.
They eliminate the need to invest in networking technology and deliver network capability
globally via a secure application. This makes it extremely easy for businesses to enable
communication between remote locations and facilitates central control of remote networks.

6. Video Conferencing

This technology has been around since the 80s and has traditionally been used in meeting
rooms. Today, however, this traditional use case has been replaced with video-enabled
tablets or smartphones. Web-based video conferencing makes it easier for virtual teams to
connect and collaborate. Additional collaboration capabilities such as text chat, screen
sharing, and document sharing makes it more effective.

7. Seamless Technology Integration

Today, the ability to move data and conversations from one platform to another has
assumed great importance. This trend is evident in many BYOD initiatives as well in which
employers encourage employees to make their personal devices such as laptops and tablets
their work and life companions. The idea is to enhance communication.

8. Chat Services

Chat services have been around for a while now, but lately they are getting a revamp, and
they now have additional capabilities such as video and even video conferencing. Chat
services are now integrated into existing services to enable employees and remote teams to
communicate. Many businesses now invest in social intranet software that integrates chat
with other business communication tools.

9. WebRTC

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) enables real-time communication between

browsers and mobile applications without requiring any plug-ins or apps. IT enables text,
audio, video chat, and file sharing.

10. Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to drive a huge amount of new interconnections

between various existing and new solutions and systems. It will include ‘things’ such as
health monitors, smart sensors, wearable devices, home automation systems, and many
other things.
While trend change over time, but these trends are for the future and here to stay.
Businesses should strive to keep up with these trends to achieve better efficiency and
success.