THE IMPORTANCE OF VIDEO CONFERENCING
whitepaper
VIDEO CONFERENCING:
MORE THAN JUST A COVID NECESSITY
The trend for remote working, which had been growing steadily over the last decade, had a rocket put under it by Covid-19.
Forced to move to homeworking, businesses had to make rapid changes to their technology and rethink the tools they use to communicate. But video conferencing is not just a lockdown tool – it’s far more valuable than that.
After a year of finding solutions to the problem of communicating in a pandemic, businesses are looking at a return to normality and looking to the long term when it comes to communications.
What has worked well? What technology are you lacking? If you are going to continue with a remote working policy or if you’re forced to work from home again, what needs to change?
A year of enforced video conferencing has actually broken down barriers and broken taboos. There is no longer the stereotype that home workers sneak off to watch TV during the day or that things have to be perfect on a conference call, with no disruptions from pets or children. Businesses have learnt to trust remote working and it’s clear that flexible working, in some form, is here to stay.
If remote working is going to be a big part of our future work life, then so will video conferencing and virtual meetings.
Some businesses are preparing for this by assigning rooms specifically for video conferencing, sometimes complete with high definition cameras and multiple video screens that can track and frame the speaker during meetings and presentations.
These rooms are important because teams will need private spaces to conduct video meetings – and they’ll also need fast and reliable internet connections in order to cope with the increased demand.
CHILDREN &
PETS WELCOME
HOW COULD VIDEO CONFERENCING
BENEFIT MY BUSINESS?
The benefits of video conferencing are vast, with opportunities for collaboration and interactions between customers and colleagues made easier than ever before. Video conferencing is definitely not just for keeping the business going in an emergency. Here are some of its advantages:
Reduced costs
Video conferencing removes the complexities and often large expense of arranging travel and accommodation for face-to-face meetings – as well as reducing unproductive travel time.
A more productive workforce In audio conferences, losing focus is commonplace, particularly if the conversation doesn’t provide opportunity for discussion and idea sharing. By contrast, a video conference encourages engagement, with all participants visible to one another and able to share screens and documents.
Greater inclusion leads to more thorough and considered decisions, more collective buy-in, better solutions and therefore greater productivity.
Full device integration
With cloud technology, there is an opportunity for even more effective communication, with the ability to combine your video conference phone system with a range of other devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Information can be shared and presented seamlessly and easily, whatever device you have to hand.
Satisfied employees For employees, there’s a lot to like about video conferencing:
decreased travel time, fewer long commutes, more time at home so an improved work/
life balance.
More dynamic interactions With video conferencing,
participants can be calling in from different locations throughout the UK (and the world), so pre-determined start and end times are often agreed prior to the meeting. This means people are more likely to make sure they get the most out of their meeting within the allocated time.
This focus, allied to the capability for clear and expressive interactions, can lead to better decision making, more creative thinking and faster results.
Sustained competitive advantage With real savings, increased engagement and greater productivity, it’s clear to see how and why video conferencing could benefit your business. With an ever- changing business landscape that will continue to create opportunities for flexible and remote working, video conferencing really is the next logical step for organisations who are serious about a continued competitive advantage.
Business continuity
Many companies have learnt the hard way that unforeseen events can happen and that their ability to adapt can make or break the business. A good video conferencing platform is a wise investment in case employees need to work remotely again in the future because it prevents disruption to everyday business. Employers, employees and customers can stay 100% available and in touch.
If you’re ready to start exploring video conferencing for your business, there are two main approaches
to consider: video conferencing software or upgrading to a video phone system.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?
Video conferencing software is a great way to get started. There are many brilliant options available and you can download them to your laptops, mobiles or tablets. We recommend signing up for a PRO version to make sure that your business has all the security and professional features it needs, like document sharing, large attendee numbers, and the ability to record meetings. This will more than make up for the small savings you make from working with the free access versions.
Video conferencing software
Over lockdown, some businesses with traditional on-premise phone systems have been frustrated that they haven’t been able to take their desk phones home or use the features of their phone system as they would in the office. Teams have been unable to transfer calls, use hunt groups, access call recordings or generate call reports - to name just a few of the frustrations.
With a cloud or VoIP phone system, particularly one with built-in video conferencing included, these problems are a thing of the past. Handsets can simply be packed up, plugged in, connected to WiFi and they will work exactly the same as they would on your desk.
Not only that, but BT has announced that it is switching off its ISDN network and phasing out traditional phone lines over the next five years.
That means that businesses with traditional phone systems will need to move to VoIP solutions sooner rather than later, making now the perfect time to consider your options before it becomes a crisis decision.
By choosing a cloud phone system with built-in video conferencing, you will have the flexibility to make video calls from your handsets, be able to work remotely with ease and can have the peace of mind that your phone system is futureproof.
Video phone systems
Enreach Meetings offers simple and fast video conferencing, without the need for any downloads or external software. Just open the link in your browser on any device and invite your colleagues or customers to join you in your own virtual meeting room.
Features include private and group video conferencing for up to 25 participants, screen sharing, document sharing, instant messaging and note taking, and the ability to record and replay your meetings at the touch of a button.
To get your business started, we are offering PRO access to Enreach meetings free for 3 months with every phone system. To sign up or for more information, get in touch with our team on enquiries.uk@enreach.com or
0333 360 3722
Enreach meetings
Our HD Touch business phone system brings advanced video and audio capabilities to your desktop, while providing a tablet-like experience and reliable web access. It features an 8” HD touchscreen, an advanced megapixel camera for HD video conferencing, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth and much more.
Your HD Touch phone can support all your favourite apps, meaning that anything your smart phone and tablet can do, HD Touch can bring to your desk phone.
So if you are looking for a pioneering, integrated video telephony solution for your business, HD Touch is the piece of wizardry that will do it all.
To support businesses during this time, we are offering three months free on new phone systems.
For more information, get in touch with our team on enquiries.uk@enreach.com or
0333 360 3722
HD Touch by Enreach
OUR
SOLUTIONS
GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about video conferencing, remote working or anything telecoms, our team is always on hand to help.
Get in touch on
enquiries.uk@enreach.com or 0333 360 3722.
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