Sukanya Chakraborty is a communication and marketing leader with 25+ years of experience in global IT services, Outsourcing, Property consulting, interactive media, and community start-up companies. In over two decades of working on various assignments, Sukanya has adapted to the evolving media landscape to design and deliver strategies to communicate with various kinds of audience segments. Her ability to simplify and decode information and data has always helped her make narratives relevant for her audiences.

In a recent interaction with The Global Woman Leader Magazine, Sukanya emphasized the significance of effective digital business interactions, linking stakeholders amidst rapid digital changes. She addresses barriers in digital communication strategy and enhanced remote team engagement with digital tools.

What is the importance of efficient business interactions in today’s digital era? How does it provide linkages between and create good relations among stakeholders in the quickly changing digital business landscape?

Efficient business interactions in today's digital era are crucial for successful collaborations and relationship-building among stakeholders. As a communications professional for more than two decades, I've seen how digital platforms have expanded the speed and reach of our interactions. Real-time communication has become a necessity in this age of instant information dissemination. It ensures smooth information flow and reduces misunderstandings. Additionally, digital tools allow us to personalize and tailor our interactions using data analytics, making communication more relevant and engaging, thereby enhancing stakeholder relations.

Moreover, digital platforms provide inclusivity, allowing interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders irrespective of geographical or physical limitations, broadening our perspective and making our business strategies more robust. In essence, efficient digital interactions foster trust and mutual respect, forming the cornerstone of successful business relationships.

What is the impact of digital tool integration on the communication factors within an organization in today’s digital era?

Integration of digital tools has become critical for organizations today to increase efficiency, transparency, collaboration, inclusivity, and flexibility in their processes. If you take the example of instant messaging apps and file-sharing platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams, these have assisted in quick decision-making by streamlining the communication process and reducing the time spent on back-and-forth emails. Similarly, adopting tools such as project management software can help foster a culture of accountability and ensure all team members are aligned by providing real-time updates on tasks and projects.

Additionally, tools like Google Docs or Asana facilitate seamless collaboration by allowing team members, regardless of their geographical location, to collaborate effectively on projects. This has revolutionized enterprise-wide teamwork and cooperation. Digital tools also promote inclusivity by making communication accessible to all, irrespective of location or time zone. This ensures all voices are heard and contributes to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Lastly, the integration of digital tools provides greater flexibility. The ability to communicate and work from anywhere at any time has led to a more adaptable work culture, potentially leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

What establishment barriers do organizations face while developing digital communication strategies? In your opinion what measures can be taken to resolve the challenges effectively?

Several factors can potentiallyimpact the effective implementation of digital communication strategies – inadequate technological infrastructure, a skills gap among employees, concerns over data security, resistance to change from traditional communication methods, budget constraints, and lack of necessary IT infrastructure.

To mitigate these, organizations need effective planning. They will have to first understand the importance of digital communication and consider budget allocations for strategy implementation as an investment, which will yield significant results in the long run.The rest will fall in place.

Investment in necessary digital infrastructure, such as reliable internet connectivity and up-to-date hardware and software, and conducting regular training programs can help bridge the skills gap while implementing robust cybersecurity measures can help mitigate data security concerns. Similarly, effective change management strategies can help ease the transition from traditional to digital communication methods.

As per your perspective, how can digital tools improve employee engagement, morale, and collaboration for remote teams?

Digital tools immensely help in enhancing employee engagement, morale, and collaboration, especially for remote teams. They also help foster a sense of connection and unity among remote teams. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet facilitate face-to-face interactions, making employees feel more connected despite geographical distances. Regular video meetings can mimic the office environment, maintaining team cohesion and boosting morale. For collaboration, tools like Google Docs, Asana, or Trello are invaluable. They allow multiple people to work on a project simultaneously, irrespective of their location. This real-time collaboration boosts productivity and fosters a sense of teamwork.

To enhance employee engagement, digital tools that allow instant feedback, recognition, and open communication can be utilized. Tools like Slack or Yammer not only enable seamless communication but also provide a platform for recognizing employees' efforts, which can significantly boost morale. Digital tools can also help maintain work-life balance, a critical factor for morale and engagement. With tools enabling flexible working hours and seamless communication, employees can balance their personal and professional lives more effectively, leading to higher job satisfaction.

Moreover, digital learning platforms can contribute to employee engagement by enabling continuous learning and professional development, which is a key motivator for many employees. Digital tools, when used effectively, can significantly improve employee engagement, morale, and collaboration for remote teams by facilitating connection, collaboration, recognition, work-life balance, and continuous learning.