Zoom, the video conference platform synonymous with remote working during the pandemic, has demanded that staff living near its offices trek in for at least two days a week. This is the latest tech company to revert to a more traditional office-based work model. Get Out From Behind Their Screens at Home.
This cameras-off approach could be beneficial to new hires who are more likely to suffer from Zoom fatigue. It may also reduce the number of meetings, leaving room for more meaningful collaborations.
The death knell for working from home
Before the pandemic many people considered working from home a perk that freelancers enjoyed. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that around one-third of firms surveyed increased their telework options during the pandemic.
The benefits of remote work are clear to see – it allows employees to avoid lengthy commutes and make the most of their time at home. It also offers a greater level of flexibility to allow staff to choose their most productive times and avoid distractions such as impromptu meetings with colleagues.
But the downsides of remote work can be a major factor in poor morale. Without face to face interactions and the buzz of an office workspace, staff can feel a disconnect with their organisation. This is why it’s essential for employers to ensure that staff have regular catch-ups with colleagues via Zoom or other video meeting platforms to keep them connected.
The White House is cracking down on remote work
The White House has asked Cabinet agencies to ramp up plans to return staff to offices, reversing the flexibility they had during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EPA workers, for example, are unhappy. “This is the first time the administration has done something to really hit the people who work here on a personal level,” says one public liaison for superfund site cleanups. She lives in Exeter, a two-hour train ride from Boston, and works from home two days a week to pick up her 2-year-old daughter from day care.
Zoom has a range of features to help remote workers feel like they’re in the same room as their colleagues. You can also have your meetings transcribed and use video recording to keep a record of important conversations and presentations.
Zoom’s hybrid working approach
The videoconferencing company Zoom came to define remote working during the pandemic, and its stock rocketed as a result. But now the company is ordering staff to return to the office, and those living within 50 miles of a Zoom office must attend at least two days a week.
Zoom says it has a “strong and healthy culture” and its engagement scores are off the charts. Employees can join more than 700 internal chat groups such as dog-lovers and book club, and there is a big emphasis on team building. Zoom also holds bi-weekly all-hands meetings and encourages managers to check in with their teams at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days to keep things from getting stale.
Zoom’s tools are incredibly useful, and its meeting recording feature makes it easy to recall key points, or have them transcribed. But it’s important to remember that Zoom is not the only option, and face-to-face meetings can be just as productive.
How to prepare for a Zoom interview
Zoom interviews are becoming increasingly common, as more companies shift to remote and hybrid work. However, they can still be intimidating for job seekers. Thankfully, there are some simple tips that you can follow to ensure your success.
One of the most important things to do is to prepare ahead of time. Having everything ready to go will help to relieve your nerves and make the call as seamless as possible. This includes ensuring that your technology is functioning properly and choosing an outfit that will be comfortable.
It’s also important to eliminate distractions. This can include things like loud noises and in-your-face visuals. It’s best to communicate with your roommates and family members that you have an interview, and ask them to keep their noise levels down and avoid walking in front of the camera.
Finally, remember to practice speaking slowly and clearly. Even if you have a great internet connection, Zoom calls can sometimes cut out for a second or two, so it’s essential to be clear and easy to understand needs read more hear……
