As the goverment announcement strongly urges employees to work from home in order to take a stand against the COVID-19 outbreak, it is crucial that companies ensure they are well prepared so that they can continue business as normal - even during this critical time of a pandemic.
Remote working enables employees to continue business as normal, whilst significantly reducing the risk of spreading the virus. If we can flatten the curve of increased cases, the sooner the government are able to treat those affected and dedicate time to treatment and vaccinations.
Not everyone will need to work remotely over the course of the outbreak. However it has been strongly advised that those who are at risk or are close to anyone who is, should take on a flexible working approach – and this is where video conferencing comes in to its own. Of course, it is important to ensure that your video calls are just as effective as face-to-face meetings. If you are joining a group meeting with colleagues online, crucial things can easily be missed due to poor quality communication between the participants.
As the demand for video conferencing usage throughout organisations across the globe significantly rises, knowing how to get the most out of them is essential. There is no reason why this can’t be achieved when you use a reliable, secure and high-definition VC platform such as Convene from Visavvi. Here are some simple steps to make sure you are well prepared for remote working…
Group calls often mean having several people physically in the same room, with one person participating remotely through a video call. Despite this, it is still really important to talk to them just as you would if they were there. Give them plenty of opportunities to contribute, and directly ask them questions for further input. Every now and then, it’s always a good idea to check they understand the discussion and if they have anything to add before moving on.
Nothing gets in the way of a productive video call more than a distracting background. Set yourself up in a clutter-free meeting or huddle room that gives the participant a clear view of you. It also really helps to close the blinds or curtains behind you, especially if it is a particularly bright day, to avoid looking like a silhouette. Remember, if you were having a conversation with someone in person – you’d (hopefully) want to see their face, so virtual meetings shouldn’t be any different.
Whilst it’s not always possible to sit in a completely silent room, it certainly helps to minimise background noise as much as possible for clarity. Video conferencing facilities depend a lot on control lighting and sound, so turn off the radio, shut the window if there is ambient noise and perhaps consider putting your mic on mute whilst others are talking.
When speaking, don’t be afraid to project your voice clearly, and be aware of the position of your microphone so your speech can be heard clearly. Of course, you don’t need to shout – try to strike the balance between talking as you normally would and being considerate of the virtual meeting environment.
To make video calls as efficient and productive as possible, you can prepare ahead and create a PowerPoint covering your key points, as this is a great way to convey your message. There are some incredible ways to bring the virtual meeting to life; sharing content enables all participants to view the same documents and videos, and virtual whiteboards save notes and brainstorms for easy reference after the meeting. Don't worry if background noise does become an increasing issue - as there is a wide selection of noise cancelling audio solutions that have the capabilities to ensure your company is well set up for a highly productive virtual meetings.
Remember, remote working is something to embrace. We now live in a world where employees can keep organisations running as usual, without the need to be there physically. If you want to talk to our specialists about ways to help your company prepare for the home working approach, feel free to contact us.
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