How can you use Jira to streamline internal communications?

1 Create and update issues

One of the most basic ways to use Jira for internal communications is to create and update issues. Issues are the units of work that you and your team need to complete, such as tasks, bugs, stories, or epics. By creating and updating issues, you can communicate your progress, priorities, dependencies, and feedback. You can also assign issues to specific team members, add comments, attach files, link to other issues, and use labels and filters to categorize and sort them. This way, you can keep everyone on the same page and avoid duplication or confusion.

2 Use boards and dashboards

Another way to use Jira for internal communications is to use boards and dashboards. Boards are visual representations of your issues, usually arranged in columns that correspond to different stages of your workflow. For example, you can use a Kanban board to show your backlog, in progress, and done issues. Dashboards are customizable displays of various information related to your projects, such as charts, reports, calendars, or activity streams. By using boards and dashboards, you can communicate your team's status, performance, and goals. You can also share them with other stakeholders, such as clients or managers, to keep them informed and engaged.

4 Integrate with other tools

A fourth way to use Jira for internal communications is to integrate it with other tools that you use for communication, such as email, chat, or video conferencing. Jira has many integrations that allow you to sync your data, automate your workflows, and enhance your collaboration. For example, you can use the Jira Cloud for Gmail add-on to create and update issues from your email, or the Jira Cloud for Slack app to receive notifications and perform actions from your chat. You can also use the Jira Cloud for Zoom integration to start and join meetings from your issues, or the Jira Cloud for Confluence app to create and link documents from your projects.

5 Follow best practices

Jira is an invaluable tool for managing projects, but it can also be used to optimize internal communication quality and efficiency. To make the most of Jira, use clear and descriptive titles, summaries, and descriptions for issues, and avoid jargon or abbreviations. Utilize comments to communicate questions, suggestions, or feedback, and mention relevant team members with the @ symbol. Subtasks can help break down complex or large issues into smaller units that are linked to the parent issue. Attachments can support communication by sharing files, screenshots, or videos; just make sure they are relevant and accessible. Labels and filters can organize and find issues, with meaningful naming conventions. Boards and dashboards can visualize and monitor communication flow, which should be updated regularly. Notifications and reminders should communicate timely information without spamming or missing important messages. Lastly, use integrations to connect with other tools that suit your communication style and needs. By applying these tips, you can experience a transformation in your communication experience with Jira.