Subscribe Now

Press Play

By Larry Satterfield

The effectiveness of video conferencing

Video is becoming a mainstream part of how we communicate. Ninety-five percent of my business meetings are through video conferencing. Why? I find that by meeting through video: (a) participants are more focused, less likely to multitask; (b) meetings are shorter and more productive; and (c) it enables a wider range of real-time collaboration and decision making.

SETTING THE STAGE

People are demanding technology. Video is becoming a growing normal throughout all aspects of our daily routines.at home, at work and at play. Our day-to-day interactions create the demand for screen time, and the benefits of video conferencing affect business processes in every industry.

THE PEOPLE– In this information age, we are interacting with people globally, sometimes multiple times a day. According to the 2013 Cisco Global Young Executives’ Video Attitudes Survey, teleworking at least one day a week has risen by 50 percent within a two-year period, and it directly correlates to the availability of video chats and conferencing. To that point, 70 percent of future leaders say they are going to rely heavily on video communications to oversee team members.

THE DEMAND – On average, I collaborate with eight to 10 people daily. I doubt I am alone in conducting the majority of my business meetings by video because they are a huge time saver for me. I find when conducting online meetings, participants are more attentive. These engagements tend to be brief, and as a result, business determinations are reached more quickly.

THE TECHNOLOGY– High-quality video collaboration fuels the next-generation workforce. The people who require and use telecommunications at work demand high-quality and reliable live feeds. On-screen discussions equal peoplecentric collaboration with a customizable range of cooperative activities, including presentation sharing, whiteboarding and collaborative document management. As video-based solutions become widespread, technology will continue to improve the in-person experience. It’s imperative that such solutions are adaptive to multiple work styles and maintain security in any environment, which includes the office or any other locations your video-enabled mobile devices allow you access to meetings.

PRODUCTION VALUES

Communication is said to be 7 percent words, 38 percent tone of voice and 55 percent body language. Video capabilities are reinventing business communications as we know them. What other tool gives you the capability to engage as effectively with someone who isn’t sitting in the same room?

Consider these things when evaluating the benefits of video conferencing:

  • How can its use improve the efficiency of the way you currently work?
  • How can it improve your relationship with stakeholders?
  • How is mobility affecting your work?
  • How will you most likely work in the next 10 years?

Four key factors offer compelling reasons to use video-based exchanges in the workplace. First, the dramatic cost savings by reducing the need to travel. Spending less on travel frees spending on opportunities for growth. Secondly, productivity is increased when expedited decision making leads to accelerated sales cycles. The reduced time to market helps generate revenue. Third is better hires. Nine out of 10 future business leaders prefer to work for a company that’s investing in collaboration technology to fuel growth, as found in the Cisco survey. And finally, stronger teams are created, as evidenced by 70 percent of leadership who plan on using video communications to manage their teams.

SUPPORTING FACTORS

There are additional advantages to be gained:

  • Be greener by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and further corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
  • Improve work-life balance.
  • Resolve critical problems more quickly.
  • Drive innovation.
  • Build competitive differentiation.
  • Scale expertise across the globe.
  • Unify entire supply chain.
  • Redefine customer service and experiences.
  • Transform business and industry.

Video is becoming pervasive. It is a solid go-to tool for today’s and tomorrow’s office worker. As the workforce becomes more mobile, the use of video technology will continue to grow. The productivity, cost savings, team-building and decision-making benefits are undeniable.