How to take your video calls from substandard to supreme

Video calls are an essential part of day-to-day business, but with employees often experiencing ‘call fatigue’, you’ve got to get creative to keep them engaged. This means having the right tools and knowing how to get the most out of them.

While at a very basic level video conferencing software allows your employees to speak to one another virtually, there’s potential for it to do much more. So, if you’re looking to make the most of calls, we’ve got some tips to help...

Get it right

The very first step is having the right video conferencing software for your business. There are a lot of options out there – Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, to name a few – and deciding which to use all depends on what you need to get out of the software.

Start by thinking about how much your business relies on virtual calls. If you simply use these calls to speak, having basic, free software might be enough. But if your team are mostly remote and would benefit from add-ons, choosing a paid plan can really help elevate the call experience and encourage team building and collaboration too.

Switch it up

While video conferencing software might be used to catch up with other team members and clients in the first instance, it can used for much more. And if you choose a paid plan, get the most out of it by thinking about the different ways you can use the tools on offer.

For example, video conferencing software can be used for brainstorms to get your team working together and inspire them to come up with exciting, new ideas. Or you can use it to host a webinar with one of your in-house experts. Want to teach your staff some new skills? You can hold interactive training sessions, all within the platform. The options are endless, so think about how you can switch up your approach.

Make it interactive

The real priority when using video conferencing tools is to get your employees communicating and collaborating. So, adding an interactive element to calls can help to push them to take part and work closely with one another.

If your software supports it, you can use features like virtual whiteboards for diagrams and writing ideas, or online polls to get your employees voting on decisions. At the same time, using breakout rooms for small group activities helps employees to get to know each other and promotes better teamwork.

Be inspired

Another effective way to get your teams engaged is providing materials that will inspire and prepare them for creative thinking.

Although your calls might be virtual, that doesn’t mean activity has to take place online only. Thinking outside the box means using any means available, so you could also send your staff handouts to spark their imagination. Alternatively, showing a video or presentation hosted through your video conferencing platform can be just as effective.

At a first look, video conferencing doesn’t seem all that exciting. But, by using the right tools in the right way, a lot can be achieved.

Discover Vodafone's range of remote working solutions at the link below.