I work for a company that coaches and consults on workplace communication and executive presence. So that must mean that, as a company, we’ve always known the best way to reach employees who are working remotely, right? Well, not exactly… but close.

Before virtual offices were commonplace, I was given the opportunity to try working remotely and I took it. At the time it was a pretty new concept and we weren’t even sure that it would work. This was in 1999 when the internet connection was still dial-up, and cell phones were in their primitive stage. It was quite an adjustment from working in a collegial office where there was always someone around if I had a question, needed support or help, or just wanted to chat.

Like most people who work remotely, I worked out of my home. It was a drastic change to be at home, alone, with no one to bounce ideas or questions off, and no one to personally connect with. It took some getting used to, believe me. It felt very isolating and strange. I did check in at least once a day with the office, but it sometimes felt like I was interrupting the more important work that was happening there. And of course, most work communication was done via email, so there was no real need to call anyone, was there? Even though working remotely is much more common today, I expect that today’s remote contributors still have some of these same feelings of isolation. I have grown to love the ability to work this way, but, as I said, it took some getting used to.

At that time, there was an early version of GoToMeeting, which we used for a weekly conference call with the entire staff. It allowed me to see the meeting agenda and anything that was on the presenter’s screen, which was very helpful. At that time, though, there was no ability to webcam with the other participants so it was a phone call with a static screen to look at. It was better than just a phone call, but not ideal. Participating in a long telephone call with multiple participants is tricky. First of all, if there are segments of the call that are not relevant to you, it’s hard to maintain focus with just a voice in your ear. When you are involved in the conversation, it’s sometimes difficult to know when to speak up, whether or not you’re interrupting (and when is that okay and not rude) and how to make yourself heard without stepping on someone else’s time. Like I said, it’s tricky.

Now with the same program, GoToMeeting, you have the ability to not only hear, but see, every participant. It makes a huge difference, particularly in a long meeting with multiple contributors. It allows you to see body language, facial expression and attitude. It enhances the ability to gauge the interest level and commitment of the person speaking. It can still be difficult to know how to make yourself heard without interrupting, but so much better than a phone meeting.

After more than 15 years of working remotely, I welcome the ability to turn on the webcam and view others in the meeting. I hear of people hesitant or even resistant to video. I would strongly encourage such people to try it until you get used to it.  It becomes more comfortable and the benefits outweigh the concerns.

I can’t believe anyone with the ability and opportunity to use videoconferencing or similar technology would opt not to use it.