Shhhhh … In the future office, talking’s out, Slack is in

Will an hyper-increase in tech-based inter-office communication make us more productive and connected – or more disconnected and isolated?

So-called old-fashioned forms of workplace communication like face-to-face contact and phone calls – even email – will decline as conversations shift to a myriad of digital platforms, according to the new Human Capital Trends report from Deloitte, the world’s largest consulting firm.

The communications channels predicted to see an increase in the next 3-5 years are:

• 70% increase in online collaboration platforms
• 67% increase in work-based social media
• 62% increase in instant messaging (like Slack)

Meanwhile, the types of communication predicted to see the biggest decline are:

• 44% decrease in face-to-face meetings
• 30% decrease in phone and voicemail
• 20% decrease in email

Whether online hyperconnectivity and its various platforms and programs will actually increase productivity, however, will remain to be seen.