Are Conference Calls Still Relevant?
In the comfort of their own homes, from couches, recliners, beds, kitchen tables, and vehicles, people across the globe are using (and over using) video conferences technology to replace the meetings and classes that are not happening in person because of the coronavirus.
On a small scale, this is an introvert’s dream. On a wider scale, “zoom fatigue” is the running for become as infectious as COVID-19. The reality of video conferencing has revealed that some individuals still use dial up, that homes are as tidy as they could be, that baby boomers are completely ill quipped for anything technological except Facebook chain messages, and that millennials are the most skilled at multi-tasking with one screen.
Working from home has changed the demand for traditional conference calls. Pre COVID-19, conference calls were a perfect avenue for seamless meetings (as long as all the callers muted their phone), but now they are just as outdated as the last iOS update. When we were able to have more safe human interactions, conference calls lessened the anxiety of introverts everywhere and overall, conference calls made the dispensation of information easily accessible. So, what has changed?
We need a little human - I mean - virtual connection.
Most workers were thrust into the "work-from-home" life for the first time and it is evident that the learning curve for video conferences can be as much of a struggle as figuring out how to dial into a conference call. However, video conferencing allows you to put a "face" to the work, and it still allows organizational culture to be felt and seen. I believe that video conferencing has taught us that communication is most effective when it is verbal and non-verbal.
However, I believe that conference calls are still relevant. Below are three reasons why conference calls are still beneficial in this video conference age:
1. Clothes are not required for phone conference calls
You practically have to become a interior designer to set up for video conferencing, especially for work. Conference calls are simple. Just call in and then hit the mute button. There may be a moment when your life is not together, that doesn't mean that there isn't a job to be done! Don't let disorganization prohibit the advancement of your company. Host a conference while you are setting an appointment for a cleaning service.
2. Individuals are able to multi-task without judgement
Conference calls give you the privacy that video conferencing does not. You can cook an entire meal without anyone knowing on a conference call. Life is hectic. Multi-tasking isn't greatest for effectiveness, but it's reality. Conference calls give you latitude to handle all of the pressures that life brings... with the help of the mute button.
3. Conference calls helps leaders maintain a “leadership persona”
During a video conference, it’s hard to make your work feel like work when you are staring at someone’s pile of laundry to the right of the screen. Conference calls give employees the freedom to separate work and home life. Your home is sacred, and video conferencing gives everyone an invitation. Privacy is still a “thing”, right? There are people that you may work with that you don't want to see outside of work, conference calls aid in protecting your mental health and establishing boundaries for professional communication.
Dr. Dee Evans
CEO, Koinonia Training and Consulting
info@koinoniatrainingandconsulting
Dr. Dee Evans is an internationally recognized consultant and celebrity life coach. She has been awarded several leadership awards and she is a respected educator and Christian leader. She is the author of several books, which include: "God, I'm Disappointed, Procrastination: A Kingdom Perspective on the Theology of Work". Connect with Dr. Dee Evans by visiting the links below.