The Benefits of Video Conferencing
Video Conferencing Is Now The Standard
The reason that video conferencing has grown so rapidly is the fact that the multiple benefits it offers more than make up for any loss of personal connection that those who prefer traditional face to face meetings complain about. In fact the ease with which video conferencing may be done means that the frequency of meetings has increased and the ?personal connection? is created by more frequent interaction.
Time Saving
Travel takes time whether it is an intercontinental flight or a 30 minute drive to a client?s office. And while laptops and smart phones mean that a busy executive can continue to work in planes and at airports, the conditions he is in reduce his output. Video conferencing allows for meetings to take place without the participants having to leave their workplaces and the time saved can be productively used. Additionally, the reduction in stress by not having to travel allows for greater productivity from the participants.
Cost Savings
Gas prices, airfares, hotel rooms and other costs associated with traveling are increasing. And in a competitive world, profit margins are under pressure. Every business is looking at ways to cut costs without sacrificing efficiencies and video conferencing is a great way of achieving this. With the facilities of audio, video, presenting slide shows, using graphics tablets to clarify points, sending restricted access text messages within the framework of the video conference, and easy exchange of files and other data, there is nothing that a traditional face to face meeting offers that a video conference cannot just equal, but often improve on. And since offices are now computerized and linked to the internet, the additional cost of high end video conferencing equipment is usually recovered in a short time. And with no recurring costs, the ongoing savings are huge.
Increased Productivity
Workforces are now spread across diverse locations. Phone calls and emails may suffice for routine interaction but regular meetings and direct interaction are essential for fostering the cohesiveness that defines a productive work group. Without the interaction and real time exchange of ideas that video conferencing provides, misunderstandings, lack of clarity and loss of focus between groups striving towards the same objective sets in and leads to a drop in output.
The Home Base Advantage
There's no doubt that we are in the age of laptops and portability, where a person can carry his office with him. However, the physical comfort that comes from operating in familiar surroundings and knowing that all the work tools that the executive needs and is familiar with are within reach, is reassuring. This "home court advantage" adds a great deal to the contribution that participants can make during a video conference as opposed to a physical meeting where many will need to operate in unfamiliar circumstances.
Saving the Environment
Every journey by car or air adds to environmental degradation. The reduction in travel that video conferencing offers helps in the reduction of the carbon footprint. This may not immediately affect a business?s bottom line, but with being a good corporate citizen growing in importance, and companies highlighting their environmental initiatives, the use of video conferencing is a definite plus point in their brand and image building efforts?and the ability to claim "green" status is a big PR advantage.
Video Conferencing Is Now The Standard
The reason that video conferencing has grown so rapidly is the fact that the multiple benefits it offers more than make up for any loss of personal connection that those who prefer traditional face to face meetings complain about. In fact the ease with which video conferencing may be done means that the frequency of meetings has increased and the ?personal connection? is created by more frequent interaction.
Time Saving
Travel takes time whether it is an intercontinental flight or a 30 minute drive to a client?s office. And while laptops and smart phones mean that a busy executive can continue to work in planes and at airports, the conditions he is in reduce his output. Video conferencing allows for meetings to take place without the participants having to leave their workplaces and the time saved can be productively used. Additionally, the reduction in stress by not having to travel allows for greater productivity from the participants.
Cost Savings
Gas prices, airfares, hotel rooms and other costs associated with traveling are increasing. And in a competitive world, profit margins are under pressure. Every business is looking at ways to cut costs without sacrificing efficiencies and video conferencing is a great way of achieving this. With the facilities of audio, video, presenting slide shows, using graphics tablets to clarify points, sending restricted access text messages within the framework of the video conference, and easy exchange of files and other data, there is nothing that a traditional face to face meeting offers that a video conference cannot just equal, but often improve on. And since offices are now computerized and linked to the internet, the additional cost of high end video conferencing equipment is usually recovered in a short time. And with no recurring costs, the ongoing savings are huge.
Increased Productivity
Workforces are now spread across diverse locations. Phone calls and emails may suffice for routine interaction but regular meetings and direct interaction are essential for fostering the cohesiveness that defines a productive work group. Without the interaction and real time exchange of ideas that video conferencing provides, misunderstandings, lack of clarity and loss of focus between groups striving towards the same objective sets in and leads to a drop in output.
The Home Base Advantage
There's no doubt that we are in the age of laptops and portability, where a person can carry his office with him. However, the physical comfort that comes from operating in familiar surroundings and knowing that all the work tools that the executive needs and is familiar with are within reach, is reassuring. This "home court advantage" adds a great deal to the contribution that participants can make during a video conference as opposed to a physical meeting where many will need to operate in unfamiliar circumstances.
Saving the Environment
Every journey by car or air adds to environmental degradation. The reduction in travel that video conferencing offers helps in the reduction of the carbon footprint. This may not immediately affect a business?s bottom line, but with being a good corporate citizen growing in importance, and companies highlighting their environmental initiatives, the use of video conferencing is a definite plus point in their brand and image building efforts?and the ability to claim "green" status is a big PR advantage.