A recent study conducted by Plantronics and TNS is showing large changes in the way that organizations are conducting business. Due to the increasing costs of travel, employees of virtually all organizations are traveling less, and conducting business through teleconferences more.
This study, released on November 18, 2008, specifies that 36 percent of knowledge workers are traveling less, and that 40 percent are spending more time in teleconferences.
"A shift is occurring in the way businesses operate in trying economic times," said Chuck Yort, vice president and general manager of Business Solutions at Plantronics. "Many corporations have worked to find cost effective ways for employees to communicate and connect with colleagues and customers, a trend that was sparked by high travel costs and has been accelerated by the uncertain financial climate. As a result, we anticipate an increased use of collaboration tools to reduce operational expenses and to help professionals work efficiently."
In addition, the study outlines that over half (52%) of respondents are working off-site for at least one day during the work week. Interestingly enough, the increase in teleconference use has led to some concerns with employee health, according to the study results.
When quizzed about ergonomic issues, more respondents (33 percent) complained about neck and shoulder pain than any other health related condition from using the phone, computer or other office equipment for extended periods of time.
Bottom line? With the current economic situation, organizations are capitalizing on teleconferencing resources and investments to curb expensive business travel. Will this trend likely continue? Absolutely.
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Yes and maybe..
This comes up time to time - since late 70's by my experience. Yes - teleconferencing is great but only sometimes, mainly for simple negotiations or in emergency but even then mostly as the start. Nothing will replace face to face conferencing for results, haven't seen any serious issues ever solved in teleconference, for some reason they seem always need a personal contact.
Now - yes, teleconferencing is great! I love to conference people on my MacBook, seeing their faces, sharing the whiteboard, etc - but how about the beer and the issues you don't talk over internet? There is always something missing, the personal feeling, touch, call it what ever you want! So - it depends!
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