According to Strategic Business Insights, the trend toward working from home and the virtual workplace is still continuing to increase. Of course, working from home offers significant benefits in terms of a business’s ability to work with employees all over the world and carve out niches anywhere an Internet connection exists. But having the proper communication infrastructure in place is essential, and video conferencing offers many benefits. Here are three of the most important ones:
Faster and More Accurate Communication
Did you know that body language is essential in interpreting the actual meaning behind statements? It’s true. As a result, misunderstandings in email are quite common.
On the other hand, when people can see one another, even if it’s only the other person’s face, misunderstandings are far less likely to occur. Body language, facial expressions, and even micro expressions help true intentions to come through. It’s also easier to give someone the benefit of the doubt when you can see their face and hear their voice at the same time. This is a big benefit for businesses who allow their employees to work from home.
Additionally, taking the time to read and respond to email adds up. With video conferencing, quick questions at predetermined times allow for more efficient time usage. And if there are additional questions, you can always follow up immediately instead of waiting for another email response — this can quickly become a critical issue when dealing with time sensitive projects.
Greater Sense of Camaraderie
One downsides of the virtual workplace is that employees tend to feel less connected to the business — which is why face-to-face communication provided by a video teleconferencing service is integral to creating this connection. Having the ability to interact with fellow teammates through video conferencing services can help avoid breakdowns and feelings of isolation.
The same hold true for customers. Even if your business isn’t one that requires face-to-face communication, you may want to consider video conferencing help lines as a way for customers to connect with a real person. The increased camaraderie also makes it more likely your employees will succeed in connecting with your customers and giving the kind of service they expect. It’s also another way to set yourself apart as few industries take advantage of this option.
Reduced Travel Costs and Times
One of the best benefits of working from home is the cost cutting. Employees working from home can use video conferencing solutions to avoid the expenses of business travel. While face-to-face meetings and networking will never go away entirely, video conferencing offers the maximum opportunity for cost-effective efficient meetings.
Video conferencing is so convenient, you can also schedule more regular meetings as necessary. Let’s face it: Although employees and business partners may not have two to three hour blocks that all correspond, many can always find the time to carve out a half-hour block to meet via video conferencing. Best of all, they don’t have to worry about the commute to the office!
Ultimately, video conferencing does so much more than enable employees to work from home effectively. It represents technology’s ever increasing influence in the business world. It also makes your business more productive and efficient.
Photo Credit: stock photo
D. Singh says
Business video conferencing helps businesses with reducing costs, better client interaction, increased productivity etc. Most businesses nowadays use video conferencing tools like R-HUB HD video conferencing servers, webex, gomeetnow, gotomeeting etc. for conducting online video conferences.
Frank says
While this trend is great for mature employees, I wonder if it will be good in the long run for younger employees and businesses. Mentoring, networking, dealing with people face to face, leaning from one another, etc. When I was young, I rented a house with two other roommates. I would not have wanted to stay all day at home in my bedroom. Today, with my own home and office, not a problem. Time will tell….