Communication and collaboration are two business buzzwords that are often thrown around, but for good reason: they’re incredibly important for organizational success. Communication refers to sharing knowledge and information. Collaboration is an action – taking that information and putting it into practice. 

Both communication and team collaboration are necessary to get stuff done and move the needle in your business. But if you’ve tried to communicate with anybody recently, you probably know this is easier said than done.

The solution is communication software. From video conferencing tools to document collaboration platforms and everything between, these tools are key to improving collaboration. Below, we’ll cover what types of software your organization needs and highlight the best options out there.

The types of communication software your business needs

Here are a few kinds of software you should keep in mind as you consider what your business needs.

Modern intranet

A modern intranet is a type of intranet (an internal communication network) that uses social media features to foster communication and collaboration within an organization. Workvivo is a great example, as an intranet platform that connects employees using features like a personalized user feed, user profiles, and multiple channels for engagement. 

Two-way communications 

Two-way communication tools enable smooth and efficient information exchange, fostering collaboration and teamwork. These tools are critical, especially when team members are geographically dispersed, because they bridge communication gaps, enhance productivity, and enable seamless remote work. Workvivo’s Chat, Community Spaces, and Activity Feed are great examples of tools that provide excellent two-way communication opportunities that keep teams connected – no matter where they are!

Video conferencing 

A video conferencing tool is just what it sounds like – a platform (such as Zoom or Skype) that lets you speak with team members over a video call. You can discuss a project, lead a meeting, or share your screen to walk through a process. These online meetings are a great way to connect remote teams that might otherwise miss out on those face-to-face interactions that are so crucial for effective communication and collaboration. 

Instant messaging 

Connect with team members in real time using an instant messaging platform that enables you to reach every team member, regardless of where they are, in the office, at home or on the frontline. When it comes to communication, a messaging platform is beneficial because it gives employees instant reach with anyone, anywhere on any device – meaning frontline workers are more accessible and not left out of important communications.

Document storage

The key value of document storage is to provide a single source of truth for employees on important company information. When that information is easily accessible, it’s easier for employees to access the resources they need to do their work. Software that offers collaborative real-time editing is especially beneficial for remote teams and their workflow. 

Knowledge base

A knowledge base, or knowledge management software, provides a centralized location where you can store all of your company’s knowledge (information and expertise). Housing static information on their own landing pages is a great way to ensure that all employees receive consistent information. 

Within Workvivo, you can use Pages to create and display static content that stays available over time. Plus, you can choose from many different template styles for maximum engagement.

Benefits of business communication software

The right business communication platform can do a lot for your organization. By By introducing a strong communication platform to your employees, you can enjoy benefits such as:

• Streamline communications and make important company information more accessible
• Expand the reach of your communications with video, live streams, chat, podcasts, newsletters and more
• Increase employee engagement and productivity.

8 top software for better business communication

Ready to delve into some specific options? Here are the eight best softwares that can help foster team communication and collaboration. 

1. Workvivo

As the leading employee communication app, Workvivo is an excellent modern intranet platform for communication, engagement, and overall employee experience.

This platform has everything you need to reach and engage your entire workforce. You can send top-down and two-way communications, schedule and track campaigns, integrate with all of your favorite HR and productivity tools, auto-translate content to 90+ languages, and so much more. 

Plus, it’s available on mobile and desktop so it’s perfect for desk-based and frontline teams. Workvivo is where information flows freely, ideas spark, and company culture comes to life. 

Request a demo to take your business communication to the next level using Workvivo’s full suite of tools.

Features and benefits

• Integrate with your favorite Productivity and HR tools like Microsoft 365, Zoom, Google Workspace, Personio, HiBob, Workday, and much more
• Enjoy a user-friendly interface with a familiar social feel, giving you the highest levels of adoption and engagement
• Boost communication with two-way comms, surveys for real-time feedback, polls, activity feed posts and reactions, push notifications, news articles, and live streaming
• Access Workvivo on desktop and mobile to make sure everyone in your organization gets the message
• Get powerful insights and analytics tools that make optimizing employee engagement and content performance easy.

2. Zoom

Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing software on the market. From video meetings to team chat functionality to a VoIP phone service, Zoom meets all of your business communication needs. 

Zoom is a great way to keep team members connected – especially remote teams. 

Use the whiteboard feature to brainstorm during meetings together, or set up a virtual working space for a hybrid team.

Features and benefits

• Join virtual meetings with built-in collaboration tools from any device
• Use cloud VoIP phone services with unlimited calling
• Great fit for any industry.

3. Slack

Thousands of businesses use Slack as a way to stay in touch with coworkers and ask or answer questions that need a quicker response than an email. 

This instant messaging app for desktop and mobile lets you set up channels to categorize discussions (for example, set up a channel for your content team, one for company-wide announcements, one for watercooler discussions, etc.). 

Workers can also set their status, set reminders, and receive an immediate notification when someone sends them a message or tags them in a channel discussion. 

Features and benefits

• Hundreds of app integrations
• Advanced search capabilities 
• In-app voice and video call functionality

4. Asana

If you’re looking for a project management tool, Asana is a popular choice that helps manage complex work across teams to drive business outcomes. 

Organize your work into shared projects as lists or Kanban boards. Then assign tasks and communicate with assignees to maintain visibility across the process.

Specific communication features in Asana include task comments, proofing, project messages, team pages, and rich text. You can also set up a view that works best for you and enjoy team management features and integrations to further boost communication and productivity. 

Features and benefits

• Organize work and assign tasks with due dates, attachments, and templates
• Communicate using comments and messages
• Customize reporting to tailor to your specific organizational goals.

5. Google Workspace

Google Workspace (formerly known as Google Suite) encompasses collaboration tools like Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and more. 

These flexible collaboration tools help enterprise companies by transforming how you get work done – providing a safe, encrypted space to communicate with your team.

Features and benefits

• Create shared Google Docs and collaborate in real time
• Keep track of everyone’s schedules using Google Calendar
• Compose and respond to emails in Gmail.

6. Microsoft Teams

You’re probably familiar with Microsoft Teams, which includes a suite of tools for video conferencing, file sharing, and other collaborative features. 

Features like PowerPoint Live make it easy to host meetings as your team discusses upcoming projects. Meanwhile, make and receive calls directly in Teams thanks to group calling, voicemail, and call transfers.

Shared spaces like channels, apps, and task lists open up more opportunities for collaboration. Users also like the chat feature and real-time co-authoring. However, the platform might not be best for larger, enterprise teams.

Features and benefits

• Meetings include PowerPoint Live and Microsoft Whiteboard to increase engagement
• Make and receive calls directly in Teams
• Collaborate in shared spaces like task lists and chats.

7. Trello

Best known for its project management capabilities, Trello is a collaboration platform that lets you organize projects in Kanban boards, visually tracking tasks as they move through the pipeline. Communicate with your team by tagging users in comments or assigning and approving tasks. Integrations with platforms like Google Chat, Litmus, and Clypp increase collaboration even more.

Something to keep in mind is that some reviewers say Trello is great for getting everyone on the same page with a project, but lacks the complexity needed for larger projects.

Features and benefits

• Use boards, cards (including subtasks), and lists for project management
• Create, assign, and approve tasks
• Save time by using templates. 

8. Dropbox

File-hosting service Dropbox brings your traditional files, cloud content, and web shortcuts all together in one place. It’s a safe, secure way to store your organization’s files – with immediate syncing and the ability to upload files as large as 2 TB each. Dropbox automatically backs up important files to the cloud.

Additional Dropbox features allow you to e-sign documents, store unlimited passwords, and screen-record videos. Plus, create collaborative documents, so your team can work together, increasing effective communication for remote work.

Features and benefits

• Store, organize, and share files
• Quickly and securely transfer large files
• Integrates with Zoom, Slack, Trello, and more.

Cultivate a powerful company culture with Workvivo

The right internal communications software goes a long way in determining the success of your business. Whether your organization is fully remote, in-office, or hybrid, the right tools are essential for building a culture of streamlined, effective communication. 

If you’re looking for a powerful all-in-one employee communication tool that does it all, try Workvivo. Workvivo’s intuitive, customizable internal communication tools include modern intranet features, employee engagement tools, and direct message capabilities that will help your team connect from wherever they are. Learn how Workvivo can transform your business communications today!