According to a 2024 Expert Market Report, 86% of employees identified ineffective collaboration and communication is the primary reason for workplace failures. And in small teams like ours, communication is the glue that holds everything together—especially when unexpected challenges arise.  

Recently, our Operations Manager was very sick for two weeks, and while it was a challenge, our team’s strong communication skills kept us on track. We were able to manage all tasks without formal cross-coverage training because we have established clear channels of communication and accountability. By staying in constant contact and making sure everyone was aware of what needed to be done, we kept our operations running. 

How did we do it?   

• Weekly Internal Meetings: The Access Tech team meets weekly for projects, check-ins, and an all staff meeting. We do this to build rapport, collaborate on cross coverage, and keep projects running smoothly. 

• Microsoft Teams: Don’t underestimate the power of a group chat. For those of us working remotely, it can sometimes feel like we are working in a vacuum. Luckily, our team stays in constant communication throughout the day. We always know where others are and when we can collaborate.  

• Outlook: The majority of our business is conducted through email. And for our clients, it is crucial we remain available and responsive. We make sure to check in with our inbox continuously throughout the day and commit to a quick response time.  

• Practicing Patience: I get it, work moves quickly. I am the first to admit I am a World Class Interrupter. But working with a team that values each other’s ideas and perspectives has reminded me just how important it is to slow down, listen to my team members, and get the full information before responding. By slowing down, I am more effective to my clients and company.  

Why This Matters

At Access Tech, we understand that turnover is a constant challenge for many of our clients. Whether it’s seasonal changes, staffing shortages, or sudden departures, having a communication strategy in place is crucial to managing transitions effectively. When things are in flux, clear communication ensures that no task gets missed, and no deadline slips through the cracks. 

Ready to improve your team’s communication strategy? 

If you’re facing challenges with turnover or need help refining your communication practices, we’re here to assist. At Access Tech, we specialize in helping transit agencies stay connected and stay on track, no matter what changes come their way. Let’s talk about how we can help your team operate more efficiently.