Communication is one of the most important elements of successful growth. And with a cool new 2024 update to Google Chat, growing organisations can communicate even more effectively.
We’re just a couple of months into 2024, and already Google has given us an incredible range of updates to its Workspace platform. We’ve had everything from additional language capabilities for closed captioning in Meet, to time zone support for Smart Chips in Docs.
But for us here at Innovo, one of the most exciting developments has been the new customisation options for Google Space. Frequently working with businesses looking to scale, we can already see how important this update will be to growing businesses in the process of expanding their teams.
So what exactly is new? Well, let’s take a look…
What’s changed?
Google Chat may no longer be the go-to app for personal communications, but in the business world, it’s continuing to thrive. What really sets it apart is the ‘Spaces’ feature, which creates a 24/7 virtual ‘room’ where teams can chat, share, learn, and collaborate. It’s become one of the most beneficial tools for growing businesses because it provides a place away from the hustle and bustle. Somewhere to focus and work together on a project, without distractions from other, non-project messages.
Previously, a ‘Space’ was just a space. Following the new update, however, users are now able to customise their room based on the intended purpose of that space. And for growing businesses that are expanding the workforce and need to work with maximum efficiency, this is a game changer.
Under the new rollout, users can designate a ‘Space’ to be a place for one of two things: collaboration or communication. Distinguishing between the two helps everyone work efficiently.
Collaboration Spaces
Collaboration Spaces are designed to help boost collaboration in large or growing teams where face-to-face interactions aren’t always possible or realistic. For example, if the business is hiring from different geographical locations – or if employees work from both home and the office.
A Collaboration Space is intended for projects or teamwork specifically; any situation in which a group of people need to work together as one towards a specific, shared goal. It allows you to:
- Invite specific individuals to participate in discussions
- Create a message which instantly informs users of the task
- Share files, such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and more
- Build and maintain a multi-way back-and-forth conversation
- Add approved third-party Marketplace apps into the Space
Communication Spaces
Communication Spaces are designed to make it easier to keep everyone on the same page, even when you’re dealing with large or growing teams. Officially known as ‘Announcement Spaces’, these digital rooms allow users to share vital information relating to anything and everything.
An Announcement Space is intended to reduce unnecessary, time-consuming meetings, making it quick, easy, and efficient to send information to the right people, at the right time. It allows you to:
- Add both individuals and groups
- Manage and change Space permissions as needed
- Share guidelines relating to Space usage/policies
- Facilitate one-way, controlled communication
- Deliver messages clearly without distraction
If you already have Google Workspace, open up the Chat app. Then take a look at how your Spaces interface has evolved into this next-generation collaboration and communication tool.
If you don’t already have Workspace, get in touch with us. We work with businesses across the UK and Ireland to help them implement the best tools to meet their needs, both today and in the future. Our Kent-based team is here to help you grow and scale your business with confidence.
