Video conferencing refers to the application of technology where people can feel like they are in the presence of other people while staying in various geographical locations. It helps teams perceive their colleagues and the office as if they were there.
Video conferencing is also commonly known by other terms such as visual collaboration or virtual meeting. According to Lifesize , 76% of people working from home use virtual conferencing and 75% report increased productivity and a better work-life balance.
Types of video conferencing
There are several types of video conferencing solutions. Some of the most popular ones include:
Cloud-based video conferencing:
Cloud-based video conferencing is a form of video conferencing that country email list allows people to communicate and collaborate through their internet-connected devices. Examples include Skype for Business, Zoom, Google Meet, and many more.
Live broadcast:
Live streaming refers to real-time communication over the Internet, which uses live video streaming and audio streaming . Teams can use it in both individual and group settings.
Remote Desktop Sharing:
Remote desktop sharing allows users to share access and control between other computers. They are often used by teams for technical support purposes.
In the premise:
An on-premises video conferencing system is hosted and managed by a provider. Customers have dedicated servers to host their meetings, but also have access to the provider's support staff should they need assistance.
Hosted by:
A hosted video conferencing solution is usually managed by a third party (usually an IT company). The customer only needs to provide their hardware, which is taken care of by the provider.
The third party handles all other aspects of the system, including installation and support.
Mobile video conferencing:
Mobile video conferencing allows users to join the meeting using smartphones or tablets. It is perfect for professionals on the go who want to participate in discussions while away from their desks.
Companies and entrepreneurs use video conferencing for a variety of purposes, including business meetings, sales calls, and training videos . They also use it for internal purposes like new employee onboarding , cross-departmental collaboration, and hybrid workspaces.
Benefits of video conferencing
This article will focus on how video conferencing improves hybrid work. Let’s proceed;
Better employee productivity
Video conferencing makes it easier for people in different locations to collaborate efficiently, which increases productivity and results for your organization. This is especially true in hybrid workspaces where employees work remotely.
When you have an office in one location and employees working remotely, it can be difficult to keep everyone on the same page. Remote tools like video conferencing make it easy to communicate with your remote employees without them having to go into the office or travel to meet with clients.
Greater commitment and team building
Visual collaboration also allows employees to feel more connected to their company and their colleagues. When teams travel frequently, it's easy for them to feel disconnected. Video conferencing helps employees feel more engaged by keeping them up to date on company news and events and seeing how people are doing.
During virtual meetings, teams can also play icebreaker games and team-building exercises that help them get to know each other better. It can also help build team bonds and relationships, leading to better communication and collaboration.
Improved communication and collaboration
Collaboration and communication become more manageable when you can see each other clearly and stay connected. Video conferencing tools help you interact even with many teammates, as most applications can accommodate numerous participants on a single screen.
With a virtual meeting, you can also use whiteboards and collaborative documents to share ideas and work together on projects. These can help teams stay in sync with what's happening at each stage of a project or process, making it easier for everyone involved to work together toward a common goal or outcome.
Improved decision-making processes
In addition to convenient communication, decision-making becomes easier as key decision-makers can easily schedule a virtual meeting without being limited by time or location. It is particularly beneficial for large organizations, where key stakeholders are located around the world and cannot meet in person regularly.
Virtual meetings are also convenient for teams that need to make quick decisions, such as sales and marketing teams, who must react quickly to changing market trends . These types of meetings can help reduce the time needed for decision making by providing instant access to your knowledge base and all relevant information.
