Creative Ways To Use Video Conferencing Software For JIT Support
A lot of prep and planning goes into live events. You schedule the session in advance, then launch an in-house marketing strategy so everyone can mark their calendars. And that doesn't even include content creation or post-event feedback. However, impromptu support is crucial for your remote workforce. Fortunately, you can also use your video conferencing software for on-the-spot performance management. That way, employees get the best of both worlds. Scheduled sessions give them foundational knowledge, while JIT activities tackle personal sticking points. In fact, here are 7 great ways to use cloud-based video conferencing tools for on-the-job performance support.
7 Innovative Uses For Video Conferencing Software
1. Compliance Knowledge Checks
How well do your employees know company policy? Are they aware of the new rules and regulations? First and foremost, video conferencing software helps you reduce compliance risks, which prevents costly fines, penalties, and on-the-job injuries. Why not host regular knowledge checks to reinforce behaviors and refresh their memory? It can even be a quick meeting with their team leader to identify emerging gaps. For example, they host a live pop quiz or interactive game show. Don't forget to follow up with resource recommendations. After employees acknowledge negative performance behaviors, they need a way to fix them.
2. Team Service Simulations
Many organizations use virtual simulations to build soft skills. However, you can also host real-time roleplays to impart service skills. In fact, the entire team can build experiential know-how. Give the group some background info, such as the main challenge and personas involved. Then invite two employees to act out the scenario. This also gives them the opportunity to see things from the customer's perspective. Afterward, the team can provide feedback and highlight strengths. Another approach is to have them complete online simulations beforehand. Then host a recap session in the video conferencing software.
3. Live Video Conferencing Software Task Walkthroughs
For this cloud-based video conferencing activity, you need an in-house expert. For example, that employee who knows the ins and outs of the POS software or your top customer service staffer with high satisfaction scores. Live task walkthroughs give them an opportunity to teach others. But they also reinforce their own knowledge because they must explore the topic in depth to create a concise presentation. The live demo covers all the essentials, including the steps involved and related skills. Then attendees can ask questions to improve comprehension.
4. Show Skills In Action
Certain skills are more challenging to learn because they're more nuanced. For example, active listening involves a broad range of steps and behaviors. Thankfully, you can use video conferencing software to show them in action. An employee demonstrates how to apply the skill in context. In the case of active listening, they start with customer needs analysis. For instance, letting the person finish their train of thought before offering input, as well as briefly summarizing what they said so that the customer knows they've been heard loud and clear. The presenter can even share resource links for self-guided skill-building if employees need to bridge gaps on their own.
5. Breakout Peer Mentoring Sessions
One of the best ways to use web conferencing software breakout rooms is one-on-one support. They can get away from the group for a little while to focus on personal challenges like performance habits they need to break or core competencies they need to develop. You don't necessarily have to designate peer mentors in advance. Anyone can step up and offer JIT support. For example, an experienced employee offers a new hire some sage advice after a live training event. Alternatively, you can break the team into groups and assign breakout rooms so that they can discuss the topic and related obstacles in private.
6. Spontaneous Safety Demos
Safety compliance is a hot topic these days; it's always a pressing issue. But the pandemic has been a game-changer. One of the best ways to prep your team is through impromptu safety demos. Managers show their employees how to avoid common mistakes and mitigate risks. Since it's live, they can custom-tailor the experience. For instance, a trainee asks a question that leads to a spin-off demo. Maybe they need to elaborate on a specific step. It all happens organically because staffers are active participants. Also, they're able to contextualize the information and link it to their job roles. In short, live safety demos help them assign meaning and improve on-the-job proficiency.
7. Collaborative Video Conferencing Software Troubleshooting
You know what they say, two heads are better than one. Just imagine what employees can achieve during group brainstorming sessions. The goal is to troubleshoot a common problem and improve task performance. For example, an employee is unsure how new regulations affect the sales process. They call an impromptu meeting to gather remote peer feedback. You can even create an event schedule to improve participation, like prompting them to log in to the video conferencing software every Wednesday at 10 am for their weekly troubleshooting chat. Best of all, it's not mandatory, which automatically boosts employee motivation.
Conclusion
The great thing about these JIT support tools is their versatility. As an example, you can use them to reinforce positive behaviors or refresh employee know-how as they embark on new certification paths. In other words, these activities aren't just for pain points. Employees can take a proactive approach to performance management, as well as prep for new job roles or responsibilities. Last but not least, every idea on this list builds a stronger team dynamic since peers have the opportunity to share their insights and experience different viewpoints.
