What should I do before a videoconference?

Before a videoconference, test your device, the video-chat platform, and internet set-up. Make sure that your webcam and microphone are working properly. If you use a headset, make sure it is connected and functioning. If you have a friend who is available, you can test your settings out with them. With so many people working from home and using the internet, bandwidth is being negatively affected, slowing down internet service for many people. You can visit speedtest.net to gauge your internet speeds. If your speeds are below 20 megabits per second, you will likely experience pixelated video and audio delays.

Are videoconferencing platforms safe?

Zoom, a popular videoconferencing platform, has been in the news after people have hacked into unsecured video-chats on the platform. However, earlier this month, Zoom added security measures which requires users to insert a password to enter meetings. Different platforms have a variety of security features. Familiarize yourself with your videoconferencing app and explore its features to ensure that you are protecting the privacy of your meetings.

What is proper videoconference etiquette?

As with in-person meetings, wait for a pause in the conversation before speaking. This is a much more difficult prospect on video-chats because of audio delays that make it difficult to discern whether someone will begin talking. Be mindful of this issue and allow colleagues to finish their points without interruption. If you have a lot of background noise, such as dogs barking or children playing, it is best to use the mute button when you are not speaking. This will reduce disruptions during the meeting and perhaps prevent colleagues from becoming annoyed with you. Ensure that your actions are communicating that you are engaged and interested in the meeting. Good posture and positive body language encourage others to communicate openly and share ideas. Certain non-verbal messages also convey engagement, such as nodding your head, leaning into the conversation, and gesturing with a hand that you would like to contribute to the conversation

Technology Archives - Jules Halpern Associates LLC

The Do’s and Don’ts of Videoconferencing

April 28th, 2020 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Employee Performance, Employee Relations, Employment Trends, Human Resources, Technology, Working from Home

With coronavirus outbreak continuing indefinitely, many organizations have transformed from the traditional use of office spaces to telecommuting operations. In…

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Working from Home: Tips for the New Normal

March 19th, 2020 | By Jules Halpern Associates | COVID-19, Employee Relations, Employee Schedules, Employer Policies, Employment Trends, Human Resources, Management, Technology, Working from Home

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country, working from home is the new normal for many American workers….

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Technology has its Downsides

May 31st, 2019 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Employee Relations, Employment Trends, Human Resources, Management, Technology, Workplace Culture

While technology has rapidly improved many areas of life, it has also led to a handful of preventable drawbacks in…

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Managing in an Evolving Workplace

September 27th, 2017 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Confidential Information, Cybersecurity, Employment Law, Employment Trends, Human Resources, Immigration, Management, Minimum Wage, Nursing Mothers, NYS DOL, Sick Leave Laws, Social Media, Technology, USDOL, Wages and Hours, Workers' Compensation, Workplace Bullying

The Fall is the time when managers and business owners transition from the slower summer to the busy winter season….

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Cell Phone Recording in Schools

January 31st, 2017 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Education Law, Student Bullying, Technology

Educational institutions have seen an increase in the amount of complaints they receive from students, parents, and teachers regarding unauthorized…

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Responding to Clients and Colleagues

January 19th, 2017 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Technology, Workplace Insights

Lawyers are often criticized for not returning calls or acknowledging messages from both clients and colleagues. Given the many electronic…

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New I-9 Immigration Form

December 22nd, 2016 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Hiring, Human Resources, Immigration, Technology

Under federal law, all employers who hire individuals to work within the U.S. must complete an I-9 for each employee…

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Compensation for Checking E-mail After Work

October 27th, 2016 | By Jules Halpern Associates | FLSA, Human Resources, Technology, Wages and Hours

Everyone has had that moment when, after crawling into bed after a long day at the office, he or she…

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Data Breach Notice Requirements Increase in Complexity

October 25th, 2016 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Confidential Information, Cybersecurity, Employer Liability, Technology

Employers have begun to increase efforts to protect confidential information; however, security breaches are still a regular occurrence. Security breaches…

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Cybersecurity Regulations for Financial Institutions

September 29th, 2016 | By Jules Halpern Associates | Cybersecurity, New York Law, Technology

With National Cybersecurity Awareness Month beginning in October, employers should assess the safeguards they have in place in order to…

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