face (to computer screen) to face
my "coworkers and i have been trying to work on a new punkster line across the country, LA, NY and Nashville. We have been trying to get together but plane tickets kill budgets for small companies. we have been trying to conference call but trying to flash and 3-way connect on our blackberry is advanced beyond our years. (sad i know) so now we are trying to get a conference going on our ichat! i cant wait to see their beautiful little faces as they tell me how the productions won't be in on time, or the budget cant afford any more creative pursuits, or watch them smile as we talk about our new line we are creating and our newest press hit. there is something to be said about face to face to face. or at least iSight to iSight to iSight.
hey, we take what we can get! whats an "office" or a "company" these days anyway right?
alternative work arrangements
Another sign that the work world is changing is the increasing number of telecommuters, job-sharing and off-site arrangements. For example, some 40 percent of organizations now allow employees to telecommute in some capacity. These flexible work situations are becoming more commonplace and present another challenge for companies.
Technology can alienate
The increasing use of technology in today's business can have an alienating effect on employees. But, technology can also offer employers many options for communicating and connecting better with their people. The key is learning how to use the technology and then taking advantage of all it can offer.
One step closer to face-to-face communication is the use of video-conferencing. Home Depot, for example, has a weekly satellite feed to all stores known as "Breakfast with Bernie and Arthur," their chairman and CEO.
