By now, a number of organizations have at least some measures in place to enable their employees to work from home. However, some of those measures are band-aid type solutions that get the job done for now, but aren’t feasible as long-term solutions.
Although many states are on the way to opening back up, it’s likely that the recent pandemic will have lasting effects on the workplace — one of which is having partial or full work-from-home policies in place for the foreseeable future.
With the help of video conferencing solutionsand other key technologies, you can successfully plan for your employees to work from home as part of a permanent business plan. Here’s how:
Create a Work From Home Schedule
Creating a work from home schedule is an important part of successfully adjusting to a post-COVID business plan. Some organizations will choose to have their whole team (or as much of it as possible) continue to work-from-home for a while, and that’s perfectly fine. Some businesses, however, need to have more people physically in the office to operate successfully but want to reduce capacity, which is where a work-from-home schedule comes in.
Here are some common ways a work-from-home schedule can be broken down:
Have entire teams present in the office on certain days.
Rotate members of a given team to be in the office on certain days.
Make a chart based on where people sit in the office and rotate work-from-home days to keep at least one empty desk between people.
While it’s good to plan like this, your work from home program is not going to be truly successful without utilizing the proper technology.
Get the tools you need to succeed
While some companies have had to make do with basic work-from-home solutions like email and phone calls, that just won’t hold up long term. To have your employees work from home regularly or semi-regularly, you’ll need to set them up with the right technology for the job.
Some tools to consider:
Video conferencing solutions to replace in person meetings and maintain “face-to-face” contact.
Instant messaging solutions for quick updates, check-ins, and office chatter.
Virtual desktops so employees can connect with all of the apps and tools they need without sacrificing security.
Audio and video equipment like headphones, microphones, and cameras for successful video calls and blocking background distractions.
Not only will this help maintain productivity, but it will better keep teams connected and avert the feelings of isolation and detachment that can happen in some work-from-home settings.
Having video conferencing capabilities in place not only allows you to accommodate employees who work from home, it will also help improve the way you do business in the long run. With in-person meetings and large gatherings likely not happening for a long period of time, a video conferencing system will allow large groups to participate in meetings comfortably and safely, without having to resort to conference phone calls.
The right video conferencing companieswill provide long-term service and support to make sure your organization always has what it needs to succeed in the given business landscape, no matter how that may change. The future of the business world is leaning towards predominantly virtual meetings and events, so let the experts at IVCi set your organization up for success.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00Lindsey Ingramhttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngLindsey Ingram2020-04-29 20:19:552020-05-26 20:46:08How to Plan for Your Employees to Work from Home
Unfortunately, a lot of businesses were completely blindsided by the Covid-19 crisis. They either had no business continuity plan in place and are scrambling to make one as they go, or they had a loosely framed and outdated plan that doesn’t hold up in today’s business world.
For essential businesses or businesses that are still operating under limited capacity, safety is the top concern. It’s critical to take extreme precautions to limit unnecessary exposure for your personnel and customers during this time. Times like these are when we need to lean into technology tools, like Teleportivity, to help keep personnel and customers safe during this outbreak.
Teleportivity is a tool that allows organizations to scale their support staff across sites remotely using audio visual and information deployment technology. This drastically reduces the amount of physical exposure personnel and customers will face, without sacrificing any of the functionality of your in-house support team.
Here are the key features of Teleportivity that you can utilize for your business continuity plan:
Welcome Space
Welcome Space allows you to scale, push, and pull your welcome staff virtually based on demand. People who enter your building or area will be met with a virtual connection to your welcome staff.
This helps control high traffic locations and keeps your business in better compliance with social distancing recommendations — without having to sacrifice a constant, seamless customer experience.
Being able to adapt to the current circumstances without compromising customer service is a key component to a successful business continuity plan.
Info Space
Info Space allows visitors and customers to get all the information they need without having an in-person concierge desk. With Info Space, you can create and deploy thousands of unique links or QR codes to be placed anywhere throughout your location. Visitors can access these codes and scan them on their mobile devices, without needing a designated app.
These codes will give access to items like maps, forms, documents, videos, and even on-demand live assistance from remote support staff. With Info Space, you’ll retain all the benefits of an information desk without the need for in-person staffing.
Support Space
Support Space allows for the utilization of meeting spaces and huddle rooms without the need for on-site support staff. Through unique QR codes and links, your meeting spaces and huddle rooms are transformed into connected portals. Through these codes, you can get instructions and live assistance via remote staff. Therefore, fewer people are needed in a room to successfully carry out a meeting. You’ll be able to comply with regulations regarding gathering sizes without sacrificing any key components of your meeting or presentation.
It’s never been more important to keep staff and customers safe, and right now that means limiting exposure and keeping as many people in their homes as possible. With that being said, essential businesses are still expected to keep a seamless customer experience and deliver their services without interruption. Luckily, technology is at the forefront of business continuity plans and making this possible.
So while your human support staff is essential for the operation of your business, there’s no need to put more people at risk. Deploy your workforce where they’re needed most, while they remain safely in one location. Thanks to the latest in audio visual and information demand technology, you can provide a seamless customer experience no matter the business landscape. In need of a business continuity plan? Teleportivity has you covered.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2020-04-15 12:00:152021-05-26 15:02:56Teleportivity: Keeping Your Staff and Customers Safe
Since the coronavirus outbreak turned into a global pandemic, we’ve all had to adjust to a new sense of normal. A majority of the workforce as we know it has made a major shift in a matter of days — companies with little or no experience with employees working from home are now mandated to be completely remote. Even essential services that are still allowed to work as usual are adjusting to having key suppliers and stakeholders work in an unprecedented way.
If your organization has made the unexpected pivot to remote work, don’t worry. According to a report by Cisco, almost 70% of employees said they are more productive when working remotely. You just have to take a few steps to ensure it’s a smooth and successful transition.
Here are five of the top best practices for working remotely during the Covid-19 crisis.
Have the Necessary Technology
Remote work is only as successful as the tools used. While the specific technology solutions you choose are going to differ based on specific needs, company size, and budget, your organization will likely need tools for the following:
1. Instant messaging
2. Video chatting/screen sharing
3. File storage/sharing that’s accessible to the whole team
4. Audio equipment
Without a reliable tool for each of these needs, teams won’t be maximizing their remote work structure.
Maintain Face-to-Face Interaction
While being physically in the same room as one another is not feasible right now, it’s still important to maintain face-to-face connections. Video conferencing solutions make this as easy as a phone call, with many of the benefits of an in-person meeting.
This will help people fight loneliness and isolation that can happen when working remotely. It also helps utilize voice, tone, and body language to communicate. When you are communicating with someone via video chat, you can also dedicate your undivided attention to that person without succumbing to distractions like you can when on a phone call.
Accommodate Flexible Work Schedules
During a time of crisis like this one, organizations should be extra sensitive to needs outside of work. Many people are navigating how to work from home alongside other family members, care for children, provide home schooling, and maintain the household during a high-pressure time. Offer them the option to set flexible work on at least a part-time basis to alleviate the pressure. It’ll result in employees who are more present, engaged, and productive during their workday and less stressed. At a time of heightened stress all around, any little bit helps.
Keep Company Culture
Without in-office interaction and in-person events, remote work can push company culture aside. But with the right technology tools, you can keep your culture thriving, which keeps morale high when it’s needed most.
If a “virtual happy hour” doesn’t seem like the best fit, there are other culture events that can take place over video chat. Teams can log into video-chat led workout groups or each person can take a few minutes to introduce their new “colleagues,” AKA the kids and pets at home with them. Many Paint Night and craft companies will ship materials to your home during this time, so everyone can complete theirs over video chat.
Encourage everyone to get creative and share virtual culture event ideas to keep spirits high and fight self-isolation boredom.
Define your Policies, but Don’t Set Them in Stone
When shifting to remote work, it’s important to establish a policy and communicate it to everyone ASAP. Inviting everyone to a Q&A style webinar presentation to go over the policy and address any questions or concerns is the most efficient way to handle the situation.
But as the situation changes and the team navigates uncharted territory, the policy may need to change. Stay in constant communication as the situation unfolds, and stay open to feedback. Cloud-based collaboration tools let you update policies in real time, so be sure to update often.
The common theme in all of these best practices is technology and AV tools. Without them, successful remote work just wouldn’t be possible.
During the Covid-19 crisis, everyone’s health and safety is the top priority, but that doesn’t mean business can’t continue on. A successful business will have a great business continuity plan, and a great business continuity plan starts with the right technology.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00Lindsey Ingramhttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngLindsey Ingram2020-04-08 16:54:212020-05-26 20:16:32Top 5 Best Practices for Working Remotely During the Covid-19 Crisis
One thing that many successful businesses have in common is the willingness to harness cutting-edge technologies to outshine their competition. To continue to make innovation possible, technology solutions providers like us have to think outside the box and find even better ways to apply technology.
That was the driving force behind our Av as a service solution, Evolve. As a subscription-based service solution, users can consistently modernize, have full protection, train their team, and have all the tools they need to achieve their business goals. With Audio Visual as a Service (AVaaS) through IVCi’s evolve, you will have access to:
Technology that is consistently refreshed as new products become available.
Support staff to resolve issues and repair/replace equipment.
Collaboration with technology experts who can help you plan and achieve strategic business goals.
Cash flow savings that can be used for other strategic initiatives.
Protection from natural disasters and unpredictable events.
All with terms that can be changed at any time.
You might think there really is no better way to deliver state of the art technology to a workplace…
But what if we told you there is?
We’re proud to introduce our new and revolutionary in-room QR code support solution available through the Evolve AVaaS subscription. By scanning your unique QR code with your mobile device, meeting starters can connect with an in-house expert, navigate educational resources, and learn useful information that is specific to your room.
Beyond keeping your huddle room on par with the latest technology, utilizing a QR code support solution can offer the following benefits:
Increased uptime. If the meeting starter experiences any issues, they can quickly scan the code and get help to resolve the issue rather than having to take the time to get support over the phone or email. This leaves you with more time to conduct your meeting and less time troubleshooting, with available resources that can help you prevent the issue from arising in the future.
Higher levels of confidence. With educational resources only a scan away, you can build your AV technology knowledge base and get answers to all of your questions. Over time, you’ll become more confident in your ability to use and troubleshoot your system. And if issues do arise, you’ll know you have support at your fingertips.
Better productivity. Nothing derails productivity like technical issues. Everyone’s time is valuable and a lot of people are on tight schedules, so even a delay of five or ten minutes can seriously derail an agenda. Having custom support that’s on-demand from any smart device will keep things moving according to plan, even if technical difficulties arise.
It’s time for an AV evolution — and the QR support feature of IVCi’s Evolve subscription will help you get there.
If you’re ready to take the next steps into the future of AV solutions, speak to one of the experts at IVCi today.
AV and video conferencing is becoming standard in most businesses — and for good reason. Having video conferencing capabilities within your organization drastically improves collaboration, increases efficiency, and opens up endless possibilities for business growth.
Choosing which company will install and maintain your AV conferencing is a big business decision. Hastily choosing a company could cause you to choose one that isn’t the right fit for your company, and that could lead to a lot of frustration and costly repairs or replacements down the line.
With that being said, you will want to make sure you thoroughly research companies to find the right one for you. Here’s what to look for when choosing an audio video conferencing company.
1. Willingness to help you set a strategy
It’s easy for a company to sell you equipment, any AV conferencing company can do that. What marks a great company, however, is one that helps you set a total AV/VC strategy. These companies will take the time to learn your strategic goals and where your company hopes to be in one, five, or ten years. Using that information, along with the current landscape of your technology capabilities, they can help you craft a strategy that sets you up for success down the line. If a company is not willing to take the time to help you make a strategy, then they are not the right company for you.
2. A network of top-tier technology partners
It’s important to know the technology you’re getting is state-of-the-art. Look for a company with a best-in-class partner ecosystem, as they will be able to provide the best audio video conferencing equipment for your specific needs. Rather than just pushing the same generic solutions on everyone, companies with a vast partner network can craft custom solutions with the right products and solutions for you.
Find a company that partners with major technology providers as well as niche product providers, as they are going to be able to meet all of your needs.
3. Dedication to communication and support
Some companies install your AV conferencing equipment and wash their hands of the situation. That won’t do your company much good when your teams need training, there are technical difficulties, or you are looking to further upgrade your systems.
What sets great companies apart is a sense of dedication to communication and support. Look for a company that acts more like an extension of your team rather than just a vendor. This will help with the adoption of new technology, troubleshooting, and making sure your company is always using the best solutions for its goals.
Look for a company that offers on-demand support when you need it and offers guidance before you have the chance to ask for it.
4. Establishment across multiple verticals
Ideally, you’ll want to work with a company that is an established industry leader with a presence in multiple verticals. If you know a company has a proven track record in industries like healthcare, higher education, government, finance, construction, and more, you’ll know they have the range and capabilities to solve even the most complex business challenges while protecting privacy and maintaining compliance.
When a company has more than 25 years of experience with companies in all industries, you can be confident that they can help you, too.
5. Innovation in solutions
Look for a company that’s not just on par with the latest technology but is the one blazing the trails. Innovation is the mark of a truly great technology company. For example, look for a company that is offering things like subscription-based programs. These Audio Visual as a Service (AVaaS) offerings make it easy for organizations to make sure they are using the latest technology and put them in control of costs.
This is just one example of how an innovation-focused company can transform your organization.
By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be able to find a video conferencing company that will set you up with the technology and support to help your company achieve its strategic goals.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2020-03-25 12:00:242021-04-12 15:53:36What to Look for When Choosing an Audio Visual Conferencing Company
The decision to install video conferencing equipment is one you won’t regret for your business. Not only will this AV upgrade allow you to be on par with the latest technology trends, it will offer significant benefits to your company. Organizations with standardized video conferencing equipment tend to:
Create more flexible work environments which leads to better work-life balance and a larger talent pool.
Have more mobile teams and wider business territories.
Be more productive and collaborative
Save time and money that would otherwise be spent traveling for face time with clients and team members.
Succeed internationally more than companies that rely on phone calls and emails.
For some companies, there are even more benefits!
But, like with all major business decisions, there is a good deal of preparation that must happen before you can install your video conferencing system. Here are the five most important preparation steps:
1. Research video conferencing companies
Not all video conferencing companies offer the same things, which means that not all will be right for your business. With that being said, there are some research points to keep in mind when looking for a provider:
Look for a company that will help you not only get equipment but set a total AV strategy that aligns with your overall business goals.
Make sure your provider partners with best-in-class technology providers to help you achieve your greatest AV/VC goals.
Find a company that offers a user-inspired subscription service so you can have on-demand support, the latest technology, and terms that can be adjusted at any time.
2. Take note of your physical surroundings
While your meetings will be virtual, your physical surroundings still play a big role in preparing to install video conferencing equipment. The size of your rooms, the amount/type of lighting, the height of your screens, and whether or not you have soundproof/echo-proof walls will all make a difference in the type of video conferencing equipment you’ll need.
If you need to make any adjustments to lighting or sound within your meeting rooms, it’s a lot easier to do so before any equipment is installed. Also, be sure that you have no distracting decor on the walls that could take away from a meaningful meeting.
3. Plan the logistics
In order to select the right type and amount of equipment, you’ll have to take some time and analyze the logistics. Some things you’ll need to make note of:
How many attendees do you anticipate in an average meeting? How many do you anticipate in a large meeting?
What will the AV demand look like at any given point during the workday? Do multiple locations across different time zones have any overlap in working hours?
How many huddle rooms do you have?
If you have multiple locations, how many of them are getting new systems?
If you have international locations, are there differences in tech specifications?
Asking these questions will help ensure you pick the right technology for your company.
4. Prioritize based on your business goals
It’s important that the technology you’re using aligns with your business goals and actively helps you achieve them. Your strategic goals will drastically impact your priorities when setting up your equipment. For example, if you are using video conferences to pitch to potential clients, then quality should be your highest priority, no matter the cost. Using it exclusively for internal purposes, however, would warrant priorities of speed and bandwidth.
5. Pick the right solution
This sounds simple, but with so many video conferencing solutions out there, it can be easy to fall victim to a sub-par setup. Look for equipment from well known technology providers that have a good reputation for quality.
If you are unsure of which equipment is right for you, or don’t know where to begin, your best bet is to contact an expert. The team at IVCi is always here to discuss your goals, offer advice, and provide the best possible AV/VC experience to help your business achieve strategic goals.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2020-03-19 12:00:572021-04-12 15:50:35Top 5 Things to Do When Preparing to Install Video Conferencing Equipment
Managing a team is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences you can have at work. It’s widely known that employees often choose to stay with a company based on their experience with their direct manager. The way you form a team, share goals and work together through challenges creates a culture that out-lives deadlines. But what happens when a team takes on a new challenge – the experience of working together remotely?
Here’s our top tips on effectively managing a remote team:
Lead by example
If your team is new to remote work – they may have questions and nervously look to you to set the new cultural norms. “Is it ok if my team sees my home in my background? What if there’s unexpected interruptions like a dog barking?” As a leader, you set the tone for the transition.
1. Sharing video is the new face to face. Seeing you on video regularly is reassuring and gives you the chance to use your full communication skills – your gestures, tone and message are better received when your team can see the full picture.
2. When messaging, remember that your team can’t see your reactions. Give your team more context on the intent behind a message by choosing from thousands of Gifs in Webex Teams to express yourself.
3. Share moments that matter. In the office, colleagues regularly spend time celebrating birthdays, family news and personal moments that matter. When remote – your role as leader is critical to maintaining the connections – by creating time in existing meetings to connect on non-work news or scheduling entire sessions to celebrate team news, like this virtual baby/bridal shower!
Stay connected
In an office environment, you interact with your team in–between your weekly scheduled meetings and 1:1’s – for example, when you arrive in the morning, get coffee or go to lunch. There’s no reason the water-cooler conversations need to stop when you’re working remotely.
1. Let’s get social! In Webex Teams, create a space under your team for social interaction, like sharing family news, team member adventures or whatever becomes the topic of the day.
2. During 1:1 team calls, make sure you and your team member both turn on video. Whether it’s a project update, milestone or a more difficult coaching session – seeing you face to face makes all the difference.
Remote control your project
Your team may be concerned about moving away from an in-person experience, where they could talk on the fly, share an idea on a whiteboard and access you for help whenever needed. However, In many ways, working virtually on a project provides many new ways of working for your team and much more accountability, and visibility in to work in progress for you.
1. Kick off with a bang! During your project kick off meeting, leave time for open ideation – just like you would in an office. Leave space in the agenda for using a virtual whiteboard to brainstorm on ideas. anyone can contribute from their device and best of all – you can feel confident your ideas won’t be erased as they are saved and can be reopened whenever you need them.
2. Create space to catch up. Bringing together content, with messages, links and real time meetings in a Webex Teams space is a project game-changer. Even if you step away to deal with other priorities – you can check back into the project space at any time and catch up on the background conversations you missed – something that’s not even possible in a live office.
3. Being available in one click is invaluable when working remotely. Even when you’re in a meeting – your team can still reach out to message you 1:1 and you can view it and reply when you have a moment. If they need to escalate – share your personal meeting room (PMR). For your team – Knowing you’re available on video on any device and can easily add others to the call will leave them confident they can rely on you, even when remote.
Stay connected
Working remotely doesn’t mean that your team should feel remote. Stay connected through celebrations, deadlines and water-cooler conversations – on any device. Your leadership, support and use of Webex Meetings and Teams means your team can be set up for success from wherever they may be.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00Lindsey Ingramhttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngLindsey Ingram2020-03-17 20:24:142020-03-17 20:24:15Working Smarter: Managing a Remote Team
Our partners at Cisco discuss the benefits of Cisco Webex in an academic environment. With the increased need for remote lectures and online classrooms, Webex is a helpful tool to keep students engaged and classes productive.
Classroom supplies and Webex
Every school year, teachers create a sacred list of school supplies they need for the year. Mine typically included tissues, hand sanitizer, sticky notes, whiteboard markers, and other standard supplies. As a former teacher—Mrs. Hamill—I always started my school year off telling parents to review “The List” and thanked them for their support. While I always appreciated any help I could get, I just recently realized what had been missing from my list: technology.
Webex collaboration tools
Ever seen Webex on a teacher’s wish list? I sure haven’t, but I wish someone would have shared the need to eliminate the endless bullets (or stars if you’re fancy) and replace them with one request: Cisco Webex Meetings and Teams. I wish I knew how much time, money, and valuable teaching time I could have saved by requesting Webex collaboration tools. I’ve saved you the time and written the list for you today—you’re welcome.
Fostering healthy, safe, and supportive learning
We’ve all seen a teacher’s wish list before: as a parent looking at a take-home folder, in the store shopping, or broadcast over TV and online advertisements. Educators prioritize keeping students healthy, safe, and cared for while teaching. The tissues, hand sanitizers, and markers are a good start, but they do run out, need resupplying (insert begging over many emails), and do not support significant classroom needs.
“How do I help the student who didn’t use the hand sanitizer and is out for the next week?”
“How can I revolutionize the use of sticky notes when we’re striving to be a green school?”
“How do I host an important study session when the state just closed down for a snow day?”
Importance of technology in education
At all levels of education, technology is not only a wish but a necessity. Had I known this when I was teaching, I could have shortened my list and added Cisco Collaboration tools, Webex Meetings, and Teams to the top of my classroom and school’s priorities. Unfortunately (an understatement), I didn’t know the answer was Cisco Webex collaboration solutions. Before exiting education, I had the opportunity to adopt and deploy Webex in an education environment. This is where the list started to shrink. Sticky notes, whiteboards, and markers are built right into the product. Connecting with kids, parents, and colleagues remotely with just one button to push? Check! Where were these amazing tools when I was teaching only two years ago? It doesn’t matter, because what I didn’t know then, I do know now.
I wish I had Webex Meetings
Webex Meetings offers teachers a way to connect easily with students anywhere, anytime. Teachers never stop teaching. The bell may have rung, and the students have gone home, but there is still loads of work and planning that will go on into the night, bleeding right into the next day. Teaching remote is not an issue for an educator. I would have loved to host office hours or answer a student’s question in real-time from the comfort of my couch.
If the school called a snow day, I would have been able to keep the momentum going, not having to play catch up upon my return. Webex Meetings allows you to play video and enable audio, use chat, and share screens. It’s so simple and a great way to stay productive.
Parent or student can’t make it to a school conference to discuss academic progress? Say hello to Webex Meetings. It allows for more flexibility and personalized attention whenever needed.
Large scale? I know, first-hand, administrators, board office personnel, superintendents, content coaches, and more don’t have the bandwidth to attend every professional development session, curriculum gathering, or state-wide initiative meeting in person. With Webex, however, I can include all those parties. Everyone is where they need to be. You truly can be in two places at once.
And I’m just getting started.
Workflow, working in a group, and collaboration- peace of mind
Webex Teams is the epitome of collaboration. The integrations are endless, and there is no disruption or pause in the workflow when working on Teams.
One of education’s best practices is “group work,” as the facilitator roves the classroom to check in on table talk that nurtures productive discussion. Webex Teams allows leaders to use Team spaces as breakouts, which allows for even more focused, quiet conversations, and personal teacher attention. I would bop in and out of spaces to check in on my students and their shared efforts.
Gone are the days of leaving the classroom (a big no-no) and running down the hall (also a demerit) to quickly collaborate with a colleague. With Webex Teams, all of my peers are at-the-ready. I juggled being the basketball coach, literacy chair, social committee member, and bus duty scheduler, which meant I talked to a lot of people throughout the day. That’s a lot of emails and way too many forbidden hallway trips. Webex Teams was where my communication and collaboration should have (remember this is a wish list) lived.
Final thoughts
All in all, my wish list looks different these days, and that’s because I have been able to cross off the majority of the list items previously mentioned with one solution: Cisco Webex Teams and Meetings.
Today, I still teach and train others, but I do it remotely, from home. I connect with people across the world, and there is no time lost. I have only invested in one box of tissues in five months, and my germs are my own, so a travel-sized sanitizer fits the bill. I still utilize sticky notes, markers, and whiteboards as they’re available in-product.
Before, when I was confined to one room all day (except for those quick escapes), I never dreamed that teaching remote would be possible. Now, I know and believe anything is possible with Webex.
Consider adding Cisco Webex to your wish list, because the school year isn’t over yet! Who doesn’t love crossing off more than one list item at a time?
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00Lindsey Ingramhttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngLindsey Ingram2020-03-13 20:41:012020-03-17 20:01:46Teachers, here’s why you need Webex
How to Plan for Your Employees to Work from Home
NewsBy now, a number of organizations have at least some measures in place to enable their employees to work from home. However, some of those measures are band-aid type solutions that get the job done for now, but aren’t feasible as long-term solutions.
Although many states are on the way to opening back up, it’s likely that the recent pandemic will have lasting effects on the workplace — one of which is having partial or full work-from-home policies in place for the foreseeable future.
With the help of video conferencing solutions and other key technologies, you can successfully plan for your employees to work from home as part of a permanent business plan. Here’s how:
Create a Work From Home Schedule
Creating a work from home schedule is an important part of successfully adjusting to a post-COVID business plan. Some organizations will choose to have their whole team (or as much of it as possible) continue to work-from-home for a while, and that’s perfectly fine. Some businesses, however, need to have more people physically in the office to operate successfully but want to reduce capacity, which is where a work-from-home schedule comes in.
Here are some common ways a work-from-home schedule can be broken down:
While it’s good to plan like this, your work from home program is not going to be truly successful without utilizing the proper technology.
Get the tools you need to succeed
While some companies have had to make do with basic work-from-home solutions like email and phone calls, that just won’t hold up long term. To have your employees work from home regularly or semi-regularly, you’ll need to set them up with the right technology for the job.
Some tools to consider:
Not only will this help maintain productivity, but it will better keep teams connected and avert the feelings of isolation and detachment that can happen in some work-from-home settings.
Set your team up for long-term success with video conferencing equipment.
Having video conferencing capabilities in place not only allows you to accommodate employees who work from home, it will also help improve the way you do business in the long run. With in-person meetings and large gatherings likely not happening for a long period of time, a video conferencing system will allow large groups to participate in meetings comfortably and safely, without having to resort to conference phone calls.
The right video conferencing companies will provide long-term service and support to make sure your organization always has what it needs to succeed in the given business landscape, no matter how that may change. The future of the business world is leaning towards predominantly virtual meetings and events, so let the experts at IVCi set your organization up for success.
Teleportivity: Keeping Your Staff and Customers Safe
NewsUnfortunately, a lot of businesses were completely blindsided by the Covid-19 crisis. They either had no business continuity plan in place and are scrambling to make one as they go, or they had a loosely framed and outdated plan that doesn’t hold up in today’s business world.
For essential businesses or businesses that are still operating under limited capacity, safety is the top concern. It’s critical to take extreme precautions to limit unnecessary exposure for your personnel and customers during this time. Times like these are when we need to lean into technology tools, like Teleportivity, to help keep personnel and customers safe during this outbreak.
Teleportivity is a tool that allows organizations to scale their support staff across sites remotely using audio visual and information deployment technology. This drastically reduces the amount of physical exposure personnel and customers will face, without sacrificing any of the functionality of your in-house support team.
Here are the key features of Teleportivity that you can utilize for your business continuity plan:
Welcome Space
Welcome Space allows you to scale, push, and pull your welcome staff virtually based on demand. People who enter your building or area will be met with a virtual connection to your welcome staff.
This helps control high traffic locations and keeps your business in better compliance with social distancing recommendations — without having to sacrifice a constant, seamless customer experience.
Being able to adapt to the current circumstances without compromising customer service is a key component to a successful business continuity plan.
Info Space
Info Space allows visitors and customers to get all the information they need without having an in-person concierge desk. With Info Space, you can create and deploy thousands of unique links or QR codes to be placed anywhere throughout your location. Visitors can access these codes and scan them on their mobile devices, without needing a designated app.
These codes will give access to items like maps, forms, documents, videos, and even on-demand live assistance from remote support staff. With Info Space, you’ll retain all the benefits of an information desk without the need for in-person staffing.
Support Space
Support Space allows for the utilization of meeting spaces and huddle rooms without the need for on-site support staff. Through unique QR codes and links, your meeting spaces and huddle rooms are transformed into connected portals. Through these codes, you can get instructions and live assistance via remote staff. Therefore, fewer people are needed in a room to successfully carry out a meeting. You’ll be able to comply with regulations regarding gathering sizes without sacrificing any key components of your meeting or presentation.
It’s never been more important to keep staff and customers safe, and right now that means limiting exposure and keeping as many people in their homes as possible. With that being said, essential businesses are still expected to keep a seamless customer experience and deliver their services without interruption. Luckily, technology is at the forefront of business continuity plans and making this possible.
So while your human support staff is essential for the operation of your business, there’s no need to put more people at risk. Deploy your workforce where they’re needed most, while they remain safely in one location. Thanks to the latest in audio visual and information demand technology, you can provide a seamless customer experience no matter the business landscape. In need of a business continuity plan? Teleportivity has you covered.
Top 5 Best Practices for Working Remotely During the Covid-19 Crisis
NewsSince the coronavirus outbreak turned into a global pandemic, we’ve all had to adjust to a new sense of normal. A majority of the workforce as we know it has made a major shift in a matter of days — companies with little or no experience with employees working from home are now mandated to be completely remote. Even essential services that are still allowed to work as usual are adjusting to having key suppliers and stakeholders work in an unprecedented way.
If your organization has made the unexpected pivot to remote work, don’t worry. According to a report by Cisco, almost 70% of employees said they are more productive when working remotely. You just have to take a few steps to ensure it’s a smooth and successful transition.
Here are five of the top best practices for working remotely during the Covid-19 crisis.
Have the Necessary Technology
Remote work is only as successful as the tools used. While the specific technology solutions you choose are going to differ based on specific needs, company size, and budget, your organization will likely need tools for the following:
1. Instant messaging
2. Video chatting/screen sharing
3. File storage/sharing that’s accessible to the whole team
4. Audio equipment
Without a reliable tool for each of these needs, teams won’t be maximizing their remote work structure.
Maintain Face-to-Face Interaction
While being physically in the same room as one another is not feasible right now, it’s still important to maintain face-to-face connections. Video conferencing solutions make this as easy as a phone call, with many of the benefits of an in-person meeting.
This will help people fight loneliness and isolation that can happen when working remotely. It also helps utilize voice, tone, and body language to communicate. When you are communicating with someone via video chat, you can also dedicate your undivided attention to that person without succumbing to distractions like you can when on a phone call.
Accommodate Flexible Work Schedules
During a time of crisis like this one, organizations should be extra sensitive to needs outside of work. Many people are navigating how to work from home alongside other family members, care for children, provide home schooling, and maintain the household during a high-pressure time. Offer them the option to set flexible work on at least a part-time basis to alleviate the pressure. It’ll result in employees who are more present, engaged, and productive during their workday and less stressed. At a time of heightened stress all around, any little bit helps.
Keep Company Culture
Without in-office interaction and in-person events, remote work can push company culture aside. But with the right technology tools, you can keep your culture thriving, which keeps morale high when it’s needed most.
If a “virtual happy hour” doesn’t seem like the best fit, there are other culture events that can take place over video chat. Teams can log into video-chat led workout groups or each person can take a few minutes to introduce their new “colleagues,” AKA the kids and pets at home with them. Many Paint Night and craft companies will ship materials to your home during this time, so everyone can complete theirs over video chat.
Encourage everyone to get creative and share virtual culture event ideas to keep spirits high and fight self-isolation boredom.
Define your Policies, but Don’t Set Them in Stone
When shifting to remote work, it’s important to establish a policy and communicate it to everyone ASAP. Inviting everyone to a Q&A style webinar presentation to go over the policy and address any questions or concerns is the most efficient way to handle the situation.
But as the situation changes and the team navigates uncharted territory, the policy may need to change. Stay in constant communication as the situation unfolds, and stay open to feedback. Cloud-based collaboration tools let you update policies in real time, so be sure to update often.
The common theme in all of these best practices is technology and AV tools. Without them, successful remote work just wouldn’t be possible.
During the Covid-19 crisis, everyone’s health and safety is the top priority, but that doesn’t mean business can’t continue on. A successful business will have a great business continuity plan, and a great business continuity plan starts with the right technology.
QR Code – Evolve Service
NewsOne thing that many successful businesses have in common is the willingness to harness cutting-edge technologies to outshine their competition. To continue to make innovation possible, technology solutions providers like us have to think outside the box and find even better ways to apply technology.
That was the driving force behind our Av as a service solution, Evolve. As a subscription-based service solution, users can consistently modernize, have full protection, train their team, and have all the tools they need to achieve their business goals. With Audio Visual as a Service (AVaaS) through IVCi’s evolve, you will have access to:
All with terms that can be changed at any time.
You might think there really is no better way to deliver state of the art technology to a workplace…
But what if we told you there is?
We’re proud to introduce our new and revolutionary in-room QR code support solution available through the Evolve AVaaS subscription. By scanning your unique QR code with your mobile device, meeting starters can connect with an in-house expert, navigate educational resources, and learn useful information that is specific to your room.
Beyond keeping your huddle room on par with the latest technology, utilizing a QR code support solution can offer the following benefits:
It’s time for an AV evolution — and the QR support feature of IVCi’s Evolve subscription will help you get there.
If you’re ready to take the next steps into the future of AV solutions, speak to one of the experts at IVCi today.
What to Look for When Choosing an Audio Visual Conferencing Company
NewsAV and video conferencing is becoming standard in most businesses — and for good reason. Having video conferencing capabilities within your organization drastically improves collaboration, increases efficiency, and opens up endless possibilities for business growth.
Choosing which company will install and maintain your AV conferencing is a big business decision. Hastily choosing a company could cause you to choose one that isn’t the right fit for your company, and that could lead to a lot of frustration and costly repairs or replacements down the line.
With that being said, you will want to make sure you thoroughly research companies to find the right one for you. Here’s what to look for when choosing an audio video conferencing company.
1. Willingness to help you set a strategy
It’s easy for a company to sell you equipment, any AV conferencing company can do that. What marks a great company, however, is one that helps you set a total AV/VC strategy. These companies will take the time to learn your strategic goals and where your company hopes to be in one, five, or ten years. Using that information, along with the current landscape of your technology capabilities, they can help you craft a strategy that sets you up for success down the line. If a company is not willing to take the time to help you make a strategy, then they are not the right company for you.
2. A network of top-tier technology partners
It’s important to know the technology you’re getting is state-of-the-art. Look for a company with a best-in-class partner ecosystem, as they will be able to provide the best audio video conferencing equipment for your specific needs. Rather than just pushing the same generic solutions on everyone, companies with a vast partner network can craft custom solutions with the right products and solutions for you.
Find a company that partners with major technology providers as well as niche product providers, as they are going to be able to meet all of your needs.
3. Dedication to communication and support
Some companies install your AV conferencing equipment and wash their hands of the situation. That won’t do your company much good when your teams need training, there are technical difficulties, or you are looking to further upgrade your systems.
What sets great companies apart is a sense of dedication to communication and support. Look for a company that acts more like an extension of your team rather than just a vendor. This will help with the adoption of new technology, troubleshooting, and making sure your company is always using the best solutions for its goals.
Look for a company that offers on-demand support when you need it and offers guidance before you have the chance to ask for it.
4. Establishment across multiple verticals
Ideally, you’ll want to work with a company that is an established industry leader with a presence in multiple verticals. If you know a company has a proven track record in industries like healthcare, higher education, government, finance, construction, and more, you’ll know they have the range and capabilities to solve even the most complex business challenges while protecting privacy and maintaining compliance.
When a company has more than 25 years of experience with companies in all industries, you can be confident that they can help you, too.
5. Innovation in solutions
Look for a company that’s not just on par with the latest technology but is the one blazing the trails. Innovation is the mark of a truly great technology company. For example, look for a company that is offering things like subscription-based programs. These Audio Visual as a Service (AVaaS) offerings make it easy for organizations to make sure they are using the latest technology and put them in control of costs.
This is just one example of how an innovation-focused company can transform your organization.
By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be able to find a video conferencing company that will set you up with the technology and support to help your company achieve its strategic goals.
Top 5 Things to Do When Preparing to Install Video Conferencing Equipment
NewsThe decision to install video conferencing equipment is one you won’t regret for your business. Not only will this AV upgrade allow you to be on par with the latest technology trends, it will offer significant benefits to your company. Organizations with standardized video conferencing equipment tend to:
For some companies, there are even more benefits!
But, like with all major business decisions, there is a good deal of preparation that must happen before you can install your video conferencing system. Here are the five most important preparation steps:
1. Research video conferencing companies
Not all video conferencing companies offer the same things, which means that not all will be right for your business. With that being said, there are some research points to keep in mind when looking for a provider:
2. Take note of your physical surroundings
While your meetings will be virtual, your physical surroundings still play a big role in preparing to install video conferencing equipment. The size of your rooms, the amount/type of lighting, the height of your screens, and whether or not you have soundproof/echo-proof walls will all make a difference in the type of video conferencing equipment you’ll need.
If you need to make any adjustments to lighting or sound within your meeting rooms, it’s a lot easier to do so before any equipment is installed. Also, be sure that you have no distracting decor on the walls that could take away from a meaningful meeting.
3. Plan the logistics
In order to select the right type and amount of equipment, you’ll have to take some time and analyze the logistics. Some things you’ll need to make note of:
Asking these questions will help ensure you pick the right technology for your company.
4. Prioritize based on your business goals
It’s important that the technology you’re using aligns with your business goals and actively helps you achieve them. Your strategic goals will drastically impact your priorities when setting up your equipment. For example, if you are using video conferences to pitch to potential clients, then quality should be your highest priority, no matter the cost. Using it exclusively for internal purposes, however, would warrant priorities of speed and bandwidth.
5. Pick the right solution
This sounds simple, but with so many video conferencing solutions out there, it can be easy to fall victim to a sub-par setup. Look for equipment from well known technology providers that have a good reputation for quality.
If you are unsure of which equipment is right for you, or don’t know where to begin, your best bet is to contact an expert. The team at IVCi is always here to discuss your goals, offer advice, and provide the best possible AV/VC experience to help your business achieve strategic goals.
Working Smarter: Managing a Remote Team
NewsManaging a team is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences you can have at work. It’s widely known that employees often choose to stay with a company based on their experience with their direct manager. The way you form a team, share goals and work together through challenges creates a culture that out-lives deadlines. But what happens when a team takes on a new challenge – the experience of working together remotely?
Here’s our top tips on effectively managing a remote team:
Lead by example
If your team is new to remote work – they may have questions and nervously look to you to set the new cultural norms. “Is it ok if my team sees my home in my background? What if there’s unexpected interruptions like a dog barking?” As a leader, you set the tone for the transition.
1. Sharing video is the new face to face. Seeing you on video regularly is reassuring and gives you the chance to use your full communication skills – your gestures, tone and message are better received when your team can see the full picture.
2. When messaging, remember that your team can’t see your reactions. Give your team more context on the intent behind a message by choosing from thousands of Gifs in Webex Teams to express yourself.
3. Share moments that matter. In the office, colleagues regularly spend time celebrating birthdays, family news and personal moments that matter. When remote – your role as leader is critical to maintaining the connections – by creating time in existing meetings to connect on non-work news or scheduling entire sessions to celebrate team news, like this virtual baby/bridal shower!
Stay connected
In an office environment, you interact with your team in–between your weekly scheduled meetings and 1:1’s – for example, when you arrive in the morning, get coffee or go to lunch. There’s no reason the water-cooler conversations need to stop when you’re working remotely.
1. Let’s get social! In Webex Teams, create a space under your team for social interaction, like sharing family news, team member adventures or whatever becomes the topic of the day.
2. During 1:1 team calls, make sure you and your team member both turn on video. Whether it’s a project update, milestone or a more difficult coaching session – seeing you face to face makes all the difference.
Remote control your project
Your team may be concerned about moving away from an in-person experience, where they could talk on the fly, share an idea on a whiteboard and access you for help whenever needed. However, In many ways, working virtually on a project provides many new ways of working for your team and much more accountability, and visibility in to work in progress for you.
1. Kick off with a bang! During your project kick off meeting, leave time for open ideation – just like you would in an office. Leave space in the agenda for using a virtual whiteboard to brainstorm on ideas. anyone can contribute from their device and best of all – you can feel confident your ideas won’t be erased as they are saved and can be reopened whenever you need them.
2. Create space to catch up. Bringing together content, with messages, links and real time meetings in a Webex Teams space is a project game-changer. Even if you step away to deal with other priorities – you can check back into the project space at any time and catch up on the background conversations you missed – something that’s not even possible in a live office.
3. Being available in one click is invaluable when working remotely. Even when you’re in a meeting – your team can still reach out to message you 1:1 and you can view it and reply when you have a moment. If they need to escalate – share your personal meeting room (PMR). For your team – Knowing you’re available on video on any device and can easily add others to the call will leave them confident they can rely on you, even when remote.
Stay connected
Working remotely doesn’t mean that your team should feel remote. Stay connected through celebrations, deadlines and water-cooler conversations – on any device. Your leadership, support and use of Webex Meetings and Teams means your team can be set up for success from wherever they may be.
Teachers, here’s why you need Webex
NewsOur partners at Cisco discuss the benefits of Cisco Webex in an academic environment. With the increased need for remote lectures and online classrooms, Webex is a helpful tool to keep students engaged and classes productive.
Classroom supplies and Webex
Every school year, teachers create a sacred list of school supplies they need for the year. Mine typically included tissues, hand sanitizer, sticky notes, whiteboard markers, and other standard supplies. As a former teacher—Mrs. Hamill—I always started my school year off telling parents to review “The List” and thanked them for their support. While I always appreciated any help I could get, I just recently realized what had been missing from my list: technology.
Webex collaboration tools
Ever seen Webex on a teacher’s wish list? I sure haven’t, but I wish someone would have shared the need to eliminate the endless bullets (or stars if you’re fancy) and replace them with one request: Cisco Webex Meetings and Teams. I wish I knew how much time, money, and valuable teaching time I could have saved by requesting Webex collaboration tools. I’ve saved you the time and written the list for you today—you’re welcome.
Fostering healthy, safe, and supportive learning
We’ve all seen a teacher’s wish list before: as a parent looking at a take-home folder, in the store shopping, or broadcast over TV and online advertisements. Educators prioritize keeping students healthy, safe, and cared for while teaching. The tissues, hand sanitizers, and markers are a good start, but they do run out, need resupplying (insert begging over many emails), and do not support significant classroom needs.
“How do I help the student who didn’t use the hand sanitizer and is out for the next week?”
“How can I revolutionize the use of sticky notes when we’re striving to be a green school?”
“How do I host an important study session when the state just closed down for a snow day?”
Importance of technology in education
At all levels of education, technology is not only a wish but a necessity. Had I known this when I was teaching, I could have shortened my list and added Cisco Collaboration tools, Webex Meetings, and Teams to the top of my classroom and school’s priorities. Unfortunately (an understatement), I didn’t know the answer was Cisco Webex collaboration solutions. Before exiting education, I had the opportunity to adopt and deploy Webex in an education environment. This is where the list started to shrink. Sticky notes, whiteboards, and markers are built right into the product. Connecting with kids, parents, and colleagues remotely with just one button to push? Check! Where were these amazing tools when I was teaching only two years ago? It doesn’t matter, because what I didn’t know then, I do know now.
I wish I had Webex Meetings
Webex Meetings offers teachers a way to connect easily with students anywhere, anytime. Teachers never stop teaching. The bell may have rung, and the students have gone home, but there is still loads of work and planning that will go on into the night, bleeding right into the next day. Teaching remote is not an issue for an educator. I would have loved to host office hours or answer a student’s question in real-time from the comfort of my couch.
If the school called a snow day, I would have been able to keep the momentum going, not having to play catch up upon my return. Webex Meetings allows you to play video and enable audio, use chat, and share screens. It’s so simple and a great way to stay productive.
Parent or student can’t make it to a school conference to discuss academic progress? Say hello to Webex Meetings. It allows for more flexibility and personalized attention whenever needed.
Large scale? I know, first-hand, administrators, board office personnel, superintendents, content coaches, and more don’t have the bandwidth to attend every professional development session, curriculum gathering, or state-wide initiative meeting in person. With Webex, however, I can include all those parties. Everyone is where they need to be. You truly can be in two places at once.
And I’m just getting started.
Workflow, working in a group, and collaboration- peace of mind
Webex Teams is the epitome of collaboration. The integrations are endless, and there is no disruption or pause in the workflow when working on Teams.
One of education’s best practices is “group work,” as the facilitator roves the classroom to check in on table talk that nurtures productive discussion. Webex Teams allows leaders to use Team spaces as breakouts, which allows for even more focused, quiet conversations, and personal teacher attention. I would bop in and out of spaces to check in on my students and their shared efforts.
Gone are the days of leaving the classroom (a big no-no) and running down the hall (also a demerit) to quickly collaborate with a colleague. With Webex Teams, all of my peers are at-the-ready. I juggled being the basketball coach, literacy chair, social committee member, and bus duty scheduler, which meant I talked to a lot of people throughout the day. That’s a lot of emails and way too many forbidden hallway trips. Webex Teams was where my communication and collaboration should have (remember this is a wish list) lived.
Final thoughts
All in all, my wish list looks different these days, and that’s because I have been able to cross off the majority of the list items previously mentioned with one solution: Cisco Webex Teams and Meetings.
Today, I still teach and train others, but I do it remotely, from home. I connect with people across the world, and there is no time lost. I have only invested in one box of tissues in five months, and my germs are my own, so a travel-sized sanitizer fits the bill. I still utilize sticky notes, markers, and whiteboards as they’re available in-product.
Before, when I was confined to one room all day (except for those quick escapes), I never dreamed that teaching remote would be possible. Now, I know and believe anything is possible with Webex.
Consider adding Cisco Webex to your wish list, because the school year isn’t over yet! Who doesn’t love crossing off more than one list item at a time?