What's the Problem with Business Chat? What You Need to Know Before Introducing

Business chat has been increasingly adopted in recent years. Although the service is still in its infancy, the number of companies that understand the advantages of business chat and are trying to utilize it is steadily increasing.

However, business chat is not a perfect tool. There are many problems that can be encountered before and after implementation.

So here are some issues you should be aware of before implementing business chat.

Understand business chat more deeply before introducing it.

What is business chat?

Business chat is a chat tool intended for use in business situations.

Some services have stronger security and user management features than personal SNSs, and others have file sharing, schedule and task management, and other functions.

It is a tool that is specialized and differentiated for some project or company-wide use.

What are the problems with business chat?

Business chat is a chat-based communication tool that is more efficient than traditional e-mail or telephone communication.

On the other hand, we also see problems in implementation and problems that become apparent only after implementation. Let's take a look at some of the problems with business chat.

Basically paid

Business chat may be offered free of charge, but it is often a 30-day trial or limited in functionality and number of users.

If you want more users or full functionality, you must use the paid version.

The amount of money tends to increase as the number of functions and features increase. Identify the functions you need and select the best plan for your company.

Staff training costs

Business chat is essentially an internal chat tool, but it often includes features such as file sharing, schedule and task management, video calling, and meeting room reservation functions.

If you use all of those features, it will cost you more to train your staff.

To ensure a smooth implementation, provide adequate internal support. It is important to hold pre-introduction briefings and clarify a point of contact for staff questions so that they can be answered at any time.

Transition Costs

If you are already using similar functions in other tools, there will be migration costs. Even if you do not migrate, you will still need to use multiple tools at the same time, which may make it difficult to use.

Even if it is a bit cumbersome, it is a good idea to migrate documents and messages that are necessary. If migration is not possible, it is important to clarify the use of different functions.

Excessive communication occurs.

While business chat is an easier way to exchange information than email, on the other hand, it is too easy and increases the likelihood of being contacted outside of work hours or while on paid leave.

Communicating outside of work hours can be burdensome and may lead to a decline in the quality of life for employees. In case of an emergency, it is unavoidable, but rules need to be established, such as not excessive communication when it is not urgent.

Wasteful communication occurs.

Because chat, like LINE, is an easy way to communicate, the boundary between work and private life tends to fade.

Of course, not all private conversations are useless, but too many conversations that have nothing to do with work can lead to a significant loss of productivity.

It is important to share with employees the purpose of using business chat to separate work and private life before introducing it.

Still, business chat has many advantages.

We have discussed some of the problems with business chat and how to prevent them. As with any service, business chat is not a universal "silver bullet" that can do everything. However, it is also true that understanding the disadvantages and taking appropriate measures can help you enjoy more benefits.

Business chat is a tool to facilitate better communication within your company. The benefits you can receive if you use it appropriately are great, so please consider introducing it.