Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, millions of employees and students were forced to stay at home. These social distancing measures led governments, companies, and schools to employ strict work-from-home policies.
Demand for video conferencing and digital conferencing software skyrocketed.
Surge of Video Conferencing Needs
Working from home drove companies like Google, Microsoft, and Zoom to offer their software for free to accommodate the growing demand from users.
Depending on which software you choose, these can connect either a small group of five or large audiences of at least 150 people.
Transitioning from In-Person to Virtual Environments
Some may say that in-person events are incomparable, especially for brands, because they make distributing content and building networks easier and more authentic.
Is it, however, the most effective way to connect with people?
A virtual event is similar to its in-person counterpart. It’s highly interactive and versatile depending on specific goals and purposes.
Virtual Conferencing Benefits
With video conferencing platforms, working together, even remotely, has never been easier. Apart from reducing travel costs, you also get:
- Improved communication
- Better business relationships
- Wider reach
- Simplified management and usability
- Increased productivity
The best thing about virtual conferences is that you can be in two—even several—places at once.
Choosing the Right Video Conferencing Platform
Over 98% of medium and large businesses, and two-thirds of small organizations, are likely to purchase video conferencing solutions in the years to come.
Apart from the increase in remote work driving the need for video conferencing solutions, today’s companies need to communicate with employees from multiple offices.
If you’re looking to integrate this into establishing a virtual environment for your workplace, choose a service tailored to your business needs. Consider these factors before you make your purchase.
Locations of End Users
Some platforms are restricted in specific regions or countries. Before making a purchase, make sure that everyone will have access to it.
Recording Capabilities
You may want to go over the highlights of your meeting on a later date. These keep track of where you are in terms of project management or if you’re remotely interviewing potential employees.
Mobile Optimization
Make sure that your video conferencing platform is available on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure equally positive experiences.
Screen-Sharing Capabilities
Collaborations may occur in and out of the workplace. This feature allows you to give feedback and apply changes to plans or design in real time.
Application Integration
If you frequently use third-party applications like PowerPoint during your meetings, you may want to look for a platform that allows you to import presentations and documents.
There are also platforms that allow plug-ins that make it easier for you to schedule your next meeting and take notes without having to switch applications.
Before the coronavirus forced people to keep their distance, technology had already begun to give them the means of coming together.
As businesses continue to work across greater distances, the advantages of working in virtual environments will become more and more clear.
