Zoom is the video platform that seemingly appeared overnight. The first version was launched in January 2013, and by the end of 2019, there were 10 million daily users. During the 2020 global lockdown, remote working and entertainment streaming led to Zoom becoming one of the most popular apps worldwide, with over 500 million downloads.
Zoom's massive growth trend persists. It has become the largest video software package in over 200 countries and territories and ranked the number one conferencing tool in 2022. The United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia are leading the Zoom boom.
Unfortunately, many participants experience Zoom anxiety, a side effect of remote work. According to neuroscience experts, our systems find staring directly at faces on screens unnatural, resulting in brain overload. With extensive virtual engagement and little virtual education, staying focused is the key.
BE CONSIDERATE
Consider the best time for all parties and keep meetings to core business hours. Setting a healthy structure is essential. Welcome attendees when they join. Eye contact and a smile inspire engagement. Teams should be encouraged to connect from web browsers rather than Zoom Desktop programs. Ensure not to use your Personal Meeting ID. Minimize distractions. Punctuality is key, as no one likes to wait. You wouldn't pace during office meetings, so turn your video off when you walk around.
For international companies, there are often circumstances when multiple time zones and diverse nationalities have to meet to discuss critical issues. Chaker Khazaal, OBCIDO's Executive Chairman, knows this all too well. "Zoom is the main platform for our internal and external communication. Having team members and clients based in New York, Texas, Berlin, Istanbul, Riyadh, Dubai, Beirut, and Melbourne requires specific infrastructures. To accommodate our global reach, we simplify scheduling through Calendly as it adapts to availability and time/date preferences".
Ensure recorded copies are available for those participants unable to attend. Confidential online surveys can evaluate the effect of Zoom Meetings. Consider what works, what doesn't, and what needs to improve.
BE PREPARED
Preparation should involve all attendees. Collaborate on agendas beforehand and set etiquette ground rules - professional dress codes, obscured personal backgrounds, smoking and eating restrictions, and ensure strong internet connections with working mics and cameras. Provide attendees with a waiting room.
Review discussion points and advise hosts if you would like to contribute specific information during the meeting. Time your talk and create opportunities for interaction. Know which controls are for raising your hand and look for natural transitions to make a point. Good communication, especially via visual mediums, has become a new power skill. Initially, it may not come naturally, but it's an aptitude worth cultivating.
BE CREATIVE
The average professional spends more than half their working day attending Zoom meetings. Many participants need help to be heard and feel ignored or overlooked by colleagues, making it challenging to deliver high-value contributions. Studies have found virtual communication affects idea generation and creativity. Several surveys suggest that a considerable percentage of the workforce is distracted and doing other things.
Take a walk on Zoom's wild side with Avatars - virtual animals that mirror head movements and facial expressions. The new feature is available on Windows, macOS, and iOS and requires Zoom version 5.10.0 or higher. Once enabled, open the "Stop Video" menu in the meeting toolbar, select Choose Virtual Background or Choose Video Filter, navigate to the beta Avatars tab, and choose your favorite animal. Another relatively new Zoom feature is personal space for private one-on-one or channels for group chats. Write messages, take screenshots or save files.
Combining free and paying users, Zoom has 300 million daily meeting participants and generated $4 billion in revenue in 2021, a 53% increase year-on-year. In this era of transformation, the office is no longer just a place but a space where employees unite to collaborate. Focus is paramount. Be considerate, prepared, and creative as we Zoom into 2023.