AI Video in Hybrid Work: Bridging the Gap for Seamless Collaboration

How do videos help with collaboration in hybrid workplaces?

Hybrid is the preferred work setup for employees because it allows for a better work-life balance and increased autonomy for employees. Here’s how videos can support this:

1. Bridge communication gaps across locations

Efficient communication is a must for employees working from multiple locations which is hard to achieve by text-based interactions as they are more prone to misunderstandings. Videos are the answers to seamless communication across teams in a hybrid setup.

2. Enable asynchronous collaboration

One of the reasons why employers offer hybrid arrangements is to tap into top talents without geographic restrictions. People from different time zones make the hybrid team and videos allow team members to share updates, presentations, or feedback at their convenience, accommodating different time zones and schedules.

3. Provide clear visual instructions

Seamless work demands collaboration and understanding between team members. Videos offer detailed, visual demonstrations that make it easier to explain complex ideas or processes compared to emails or text chats.

4. Foster team engagement through personalization

Video messages are mostly personalized or they create a sense of connection that can’t be created through text-based mediums. Videos help leaders and colleagues build stronger relationships and better connections between coworkers, fostering a sense of belonging in hybrid teams.

5. Create centralized knowledge hubs

Voice call-based interactions are lost the minute they end. Videos, recorded meetings, and training sessions on the other hand can be stored as video libraries, giving employees access to valuable resources whenever they need them.

6. Promote cross-functional transparency

Sharing video updates across departments helps align goals and provides transparency into progress, fostering better cross-functional collaboration. It gives better context and propels better understanding.

7. Facilitate real-time feedback and discussion

Video calls replicate the dynamics of in-person meetings allowing teams to communicate in real-time, give immediate feedback, and hold meaningful discussions. They can speed up decision-making and solve any bottlenecks.

8. Enhance understanding of shared goals

Videos are a mix of visual and auditory elements that clarify organizational objectives by providing better context. It ensures every team member is aligned with the short-term objectives as well as the long-term company mission.

9. Support training and onboarding for remote teams

Creating interactive training videos and recorded onboarding sessions makes it easier to onboard new employees into hybrid work environments. These content assets can be reused for all future onboarding, minimizing workloads on HR or leadership teams. Plus, the newbie employees will have access to the information they need at any time.

10. Build a sense of community despite physical distance

Using videos to showcase team achievements, celebrations, or personal stories creates a better connection among employees and helps maintain a sense of camaraderie, even when teams are physically apart.

Types of videos businesses should make

If you plan to capitalize on videos and make it better for your hybrid employees to work together, here’s how and where you can get started:

1. Onboarding and training videos

Build onboarding videos to better educate the new hires on company processes like SOPs and values. Videos offer step-by-step guidance on company policies, tools, and workflows in a consistent and engaging format..

2. Team updates and announcements

Switch from text-based announcements and updates to a video format to keep your team posted about company news, goals, or changes. Videos ensure transparency, foster a sense of inclusion across the organization and deliver the message as intended.

3. Project status or progress videos

The next time you deliver an update on a project’s status, use a video format. You can also switch from online meetings to video updates. It would help teams track progress, share milestones, and align priorities without the need for lengthy meetings.

4. How-to or tutorial videos

These videos basically show, for example, a software’s use case in action. Tutorial videos provide clear instructions on using tools, completing tasks, or adopting new processes, empowering employees to solve problems independently.

5. Idea-sharing or brainstorming videos

Rather than putting your team on the spot to come up with ideas instantly on live video calls, encourage creativity and collaboration by sharing pre-recorded videos where team members present ideas, sparking asynchronous brainstorming sessions.

6. FAQ or explainer videos

Use videos to address common questions or encourage your employees to clarify complex concepts with explainer videos. This can reduce confusion and improve understanding for employees and clients alike.

7. Leadership messages or town halls

Videos from leadership, such as quarterly updates or virtual town halls, help maintain transparency and foster trust within the organization. Videos ensure the effective delivery of important messages.

8. Recognition and appreciation videos

Celebrate employee achievements and milestones with personalized video messages, boosting morale and fostering a positive workplace culture. It also brings the essence of working together physically and being present in the same environment.

9. Troubleshooting or support videos

Create instructional videos that address common technical or operational issues, empowering employees to resolve problems quickly and efficiently all by themselves. This will ensure the smooth continuation of work without the need for support, which may not be available immediately.

10. Wrap-up or summary videos for meetings

Switch from writing MOM to a video recording summarizing key takeaways from meetings the next time. It underlines what’s important and keeps the context alive even for people who couldn’t attend the live session.