Video conferencing

Since the rise of remote and hybrid work, companies have adopted video conferencing to connect employees—no matter where they work.

Whether you want to schedule a quick 1:1 video chat with a direct report or schedule a larger end-of-month video meeting with your entire organization, video conferencing software is a great way to enable your team to work together and stay in touch.

Typically, all you need to conduct a video conferencing session is a web conferencing software, a strong internet or a WiFi connection, and a video conferencing device.

To ensure a successful video conference, you want specific features to meet your needs when working with global teammates.

Features of video conferencing tools should include the following capabilities:

• Record meetings to share with participants and for future reference.
• Chat function to connect with colleagues before, during, and after a conferencing session.
• Screen sharing to highlight demonstrations and help attendees follow along with your presentation.
• Add captions for further clarity, inclusivity, and accessibility for all attendees.
• Choose a background or upload your own to minimize distractions.
• A reactions button to quickly engage with the content or discussion without interrupting the call.
• View and download the attendee list to reference and follow up with participants, post-session.

Video conferencing tools should also enable participants to opt-in to be on camera or use a microphone.

Ideally, this type of software will help you with your presentation skills, too—after all, these skills are more important than ever in a hybrid work environment. Microsoft Teams has a function called speaker coach that helps presenters speak more confidently in meetings by providing guidance and feedback on pacing, use of filler words, and reminders to check in with the audience.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of businesses and offices shut down their physical spaces, and people around the world were forced to quarantine at home. The impact of Covid on video conferencing was massive—"work-from-anywhere” went from a trendy company perk to a must-have capability nearly overnight. Suddenly, businesses in all industries had to learn to adapt.

Many workers used personal computers or borrowed equipment from their employers to do their jobs. Other companies gave employees stipends to purchase at-home work equipment and created long-term remote-work policies as weeks stretched into months. Businesses embraced tools like video conferencing software so workers could continue to collaborate and connect with their distributed teams.

As of 2021, the global video conferencing market is worth USD$14.6 billion dollars, according to Statista. The importance of video conferencing during Covid—and its effects on how we do business today—can still be felt in workplaces.

The modern hybrid work environment has taken video conferencing from a luxury to a necessity. Video conferencing provides an opportunity for teams to connect and get face time—whether they’re in the same office building or an entirely different zip code.

Because workers may not be in the same setting, however, it’s essential to set up some best practices for virtual calls. For instance, you should take meeting notes in a digital, widely accessible app or document to keep everyone organized and on the same page. It’s also essential that meeting attendees test their equipment and ensure it’s up and running beforehand to avoid technical mishaps during a group call.

While virtual meetings sometimes require additional finessing, they can be a powerful tool to unite your organization and keep business running smoothly.

Covid-19 and work-from-home opportunities have changed the role of video conferencing in business in a big way. And adopting video conferencing can unlock all sorts of opportunities for your organization. For instance:

• You can expand your talent pool by hiring outside of your immediate location.
• You’ll be empowered to hire more workforce that aligns with the hybrid work model, enabling flexible hours outside of a traditional 9-5 setting.
• Traveling employees can stay engaged and connected with a smart device.
• A remote or hybrid work setting can entice employees to join your company.

Video conferencing can help improve your business operations, while also promoting productivity and strengthening community through real-time, face-to-face collaboration.