We have a lot to thank technology for - from providing quicker services to showcasing features we didn’t even realise we needed, we’re now reliant on the various forms of technology available at our disposal. Yet while technology has certainly impacted on a number of areas within the workplace, one benefit that many businesses will agree on is how communications have significantly improved; with meetings being the perfect example.
With many people choosing to work from home, keeping up-to-date with several members of staff can be extremely difficult - especially when people operate in different time zones. And while technology usage has certainly skyrocketed, apparently in 61 per cent of organisations, thereâs still a lot more that can be done. So what advantages do technology contribute in revolutionising the way we conduct business meetings?
Speed efficiency
The main difference technology has made in the professional setting is the accelerated speed communications can now be delivered. Back when businesses depended on postal services (which would generally take days), thanks to the advent of the digital era, we can send and receive emails and files instantly.
Availability
Where we were once limited to a fixed landline, we can now easily access a wide range of options – whether it’s email, smartphones or instant messaging. With real-time communications greatly transforming the business landscape, we can now integrate paper documentation along with digital data; allowing companies to enjoy the best of both worlds – so freelance workers can experience the flexibility from working at a remote location, and no matter their hours of operation or their address, organisations can stay in touch whenever, wherever.
Employee relationships
Another element that technology has helped change is the dynamics of relationships: with many people communicating via digital means, the nature of face-to-face communications has decreased. However, with this in mind, many tech companies are realising the importance of this and now feature video calls as well as photo messaging as a way of keeping in touch. This way, workers can still maintain strong business relationships whilst using the latest technology.
International connections
With technology a staple throughout the world, this now opens up more opportunities for organisations to undertake global operations. Not only are companies exposing themselves to new business, but they can now experience new cultures - all from the comfort of a single videoconferencing facility. Cutting costs and time, organisations have saved vast amounts of money - whilst being able to share new cultural and communicative experiences across a range of different industries.
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Collaboration solutions
While itâs of huge help to have such an array of devices to help with business meetings, it’s important to bear in mind that not only does the hardware play a huge part - so does the software. With certain apps allowing companies to share visuals/data from different sources during the meeting, participants can also provide their own input - which can then be shared between the rest of the attendees.
What would you say are the main ways technology has improved business meetings? How else can technology transform conferences? Share your thoughts with the rest of the business community today.
This post has been supplied by http://www.businessadvantage.ihg.com/
Technology blogger
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Samantha Vermillion
June 3, 2014 at 5:22 am
Speed efficiency and connectivity are the two important changes that technology had impact on. It is now possible to seamlessly interact with clients on the other side of the globe.
Sify Newton
August 12, 2014 at 8:22 am
Hey Jade Hadden, I appreciate your blog, and I also believe technology is most beneficial to do our work on short time, specially it is best of businessmen with technology they can get fast collaboration solutions.