Pros of Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is holding a meeting between people at different locations so all participants are able to communicate, see and hear the other parties. Many businesses are choosing to use video conferencing between home offices, site project offices and contractor locations. Once the upfront costs are paid for video equipment and setup, many benefits can be derived from using video conferencing.
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Benefits to Employers
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Employers derive many benefits from using video conferencing in their businesses, including linking key employees together to collaborate on projects, and saving travel time and expense. Meetings can be called quickly, even in the same day without having to wait for everyone to be present at the same location. The visual aspect of meeting this way allows employees to view each other’s actions and see project demonstrations first hand. Connecting with customers using video conferencing also keeps them in the loop from design phase to release of the final product.
Advantages to Employees
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Since many businesses are permitting employees to work from home, video conferencing is becoming increasingly important. Employees do not have to drive to other locations for meetings or even their primary work site. Video conferencing also encourages collaboration between employees that do not physically see each other daily. Contractors benefit from this technology because they can actively participate in decisions made in the board room, and offer opinions and solutions that employees who aren't on the project site may not be aware of.
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Teaching Classes
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Using video conferencing to teach classes and seminars is becoming increasingly popular. Large corporations, small companies and educational institutions are just a few businesses utilizing this instruction. Presenting users with details on how to use new or upgraded software packages can be set up anytime through convenient video conferencing. The remote control capability of conferencing allows the instructor to send commands to the user’s PC to physically demonstrate what is being taught. Interaction between instructors and students provides the same advantages as if everyone were present in the same room.
Hiring and Interviewing
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Businesses are choosing to interview and hire potential employees through video conferencing. Companies that have many locations can set up interviews at the office closest to the person interviewing, saving travel time and money for both the individual and the employer. This tool allows the employer to increase the pool of potential candidates by interviewing candidates from many locations, not just one. The team of interviewees is also increased because members from many locations who will be working with the new employee can participate in the interview process, as well.
Disaster Use
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With the increase of natural disasters worldwide and improved technology, using video conferencing during disasters connects emergency personnel with the rest of the world. Skype is used by the National Weather Service to update local media during weather disasters. Video conferencing is also being tested in the medical field and is especially effective between rural areas and trauma centers in larger cities.
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References
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