The ability to work from home is something that has gone from a novel idea to an accepted part of many jobs over the past decade. More and more jobs are starting to realize the benefit of work from home days.
However, with that there are new problems that are presented. For companies that have a lot of meetings, or have meetings scheduled, working from home presents a complication. If everyone is at home, how are they expected to participate in the meeting?
For many businesses the answer has been teleconferencing or video conferencing. These allow for users to join in and participate in meetings actively, so long as they have a stable internet connection.
There is still a problem of what programs to use though. While there have been many programs and applications that have sprung up over the years, many have fallen out of use or ceased continued development. This can cause confusion and frustration within the workplace as organizations try to find the best solution to their conferencing needs.
Microsoft has brought forth their own answer. Using the power of Microsoft Teams, the ability to share and collaborate on documents, hold video and voice conference calls, and do text chat all in one place. With its ability to interface with Office 365, Teams has become a valuable asset in workplace productivity.
Using Microsoft Teams to Help in the Workplace
Making the jump from other chat applications to Teams comes with a period of learning and growing. This is especially the case regarding Teams video chat feature, which can create some confusion as to how it works for newcomers unfamiliar with the user interface.
Newness to the format shouldn’t scare you off from utilizing it. Everyone starts somewhere, and sometimes all you need is a helping hand.
We’ve created an easy to follow guide to make using Teams video chat easy to use, and an essential part of your toolset.
Setting Up
- Ensure that your workspace is clear of distractions
- When setting up your laptop or workstation computer, check your internet connectivity and see if it is stable
- Make sure that Teams is installed and up to date
Starting a Channel Call
- To start a channel call first select the channel you wish to have the call talk place in
- Next at the bottom of the Teams window, find the icon that looks like a video camera known as the meet now button
- Click that button and it will direct you to start a channel conference call
One on One/Group Calls
- Setting up a video call between an individual or a group as well
- These calls are private and do not appear in channel conversation
- Type the names of the people you want to call into the name field
- Next click New Video Call or New Audio Call in the top right corner to start the conversation
Video Chat Functions
- To start a channel call first select the channel you wish to have the call talk place in
- Next at the bottom of the Teams window, find the icon that looks like a video camera known as the meet now button
- Click that button and it will direct you to start a channel conference call
The Benefits of Using Teams
Maintain a Healthy Balance
It can be easy to slip into an “always on” mentality when working out of the office. Make sure to make sure that you are still treating your off hours as just that.
Embrace the New Channels of Communication
Teams opens new ways for people to interface with one another, and that can be jarring. However, it is important to be able to do so as instances where people are working from home or anywhere out of the traditional work environment can bring with them new situations and complications that would not happen in the office. Clear communication is key to ensuring a healthy workplace.
Be Mindful of Your Coworkers
Working remotely can become isolating. Making sure that you are using the platform to bring people together and during video calls, allow them to have their voice and share their thoughts. Regardless of the reason for the video call, it is important that all members of the team can feel heard and valued.
It is still a new way to work for many, but with Microsoft Teams, you can take your business wherever you need to, and not have to worry about keeping in contact with your organization or any clients you may have.
