Chicago, March 14, 2001 - Americans are embracing virtual work
at an unprecedented rate, according to a national study released today
by WorldCom - a leading global communications company for the digital
generation. Fueled by technological advancements, cross-functional
collaborative teams and a competitive job market, alternative work
practices (including virtual project teams, telecommuting and remote
management of geographically dispersed employees) are helping to
improve job satisfaction, save costs and boost corporate productivity.
Meetings in America III: A Study of the Virtual Workforce in 2001
was commissioned by WorldCom Conferencing, a global leader in audio,
video and Net conferencing and one of WorldCom's fastest growing areas
of business. WorldCom's latest Meetings in America study measured
widespread trends in virtual work practices and the rapid adoption of
the latest communications technologies. This year's survey
determined:
A Virtual Way of Life
* More than two-thirds of American workers surveyed have engaged in
virtual work
* Nearly half (46%) are involved in virtual work at least once a week;
14 percent do so daily
Managing Virtually
* 31 percent of those surveyed work in a virtual management structure,
i.e., their immediate manager or staff members are not located in the
same office
Evolving Policies
* 27 percent work for organizations with formal policies that encourage
virtual work; and nearly half (48%) work for organizations that allow
virtual work practices, even if no formal policy exists
The Bottom Line on Productivity
* The vast majority (91%) agree that virtual work saves their companies
time and money
Teaming Up
* 61 percent of employees in large companies (those with at least 500
employees) have participated in virtual project teams. The typical team
includes six members and meets once each week, relying on tools such as
e-mail, audioconferencing and the Internet to accomplish its goals. A
full 95 percent of workers who have participated on virtual teams found
the experience productive and enjoyable.
"The growth we're seeing in virtual work is enabled by digital
technology-e-mail, Web conferencing, high-speed Internet
connections-but businesses wouldn't encourage virtual work if it didn't
have bottom-line benefits," said Tim Reedy, WorldCom vice president of
Conferencing Marketing and Finance. "While it may not be right for all
the people all the time, in today's global economy, proactively
adopting and encouraging virtual work is essential. Services like
WorldCom Conferencing enable customers to conduct e-business as usual
without having to pack up and take meetings on the road."
Experts agree that far-flung employees need both effective
technology and effective communications skills to sustain a successful
virtual work environment.
"We used to think that meeting face-to-face was the only way to
build trust and teamwork. Armed with new technology and new best
practices, we're learning new ways to connect on a human level with
people anywhere, anytime," said Dr. Jaclyn Kostner, author of Virtual
Leadership. "Studies like Meetings in America III show us that having
the technologies is the ante to get into the game. Mastering how to use
them is what will distinguish the winners from the losers."
Additional findings from the latest Meetings in America study
include:
Saving Time and Money Takes the Drag Out of Meetings
The number one reason that professionals want to participate in virtual
teams more frequently is simple: increased productivity (cited by 32%
of respondents). As the size of the virtual workforce in America today
is growing, so is the likely impact on productivity and profitability
for organizations. More than 90 percent of those surveyed agree (35%)
or strongly agree (56%) that virtual meetings save time and money.
We Want More
Almost all (95%) respondents who have worked on virtual teams said they
liked the experience. Most (73%) respondents would like to participate
in virtual work (or do so more frequently). The majority (60%) of those
who want to work on virtual teams report that they anticipate it will
become a part of their job in the next five years.
How It All Gets Done
Of all the communications tools relied upon in a virtual project team,
email (used by 94%) and audioconferencing (used by 70%) are the
leaders. Other commonly used tools include fax, cellular, intranet or
extranet, online calendar or scheduling tools, paging, Web conferencing
and videoconferencing, among others.
Looks Aren't Everything
Eighty-four percent of respondents have never met the entire virtual
team face-to-face. So how does it affect our communication when working
with groups we've never seen? Seventy-six percent of respondents who
have participated in virtual teams either agree (44%) or strongly agree
(32%) that they have been surprised by what a team member looks like.
Over one-third of respondents (35%) reported that being a part of a
virtual team has actually enhanced their relationships with other team
members.
No Worries Here
The greatest concern expressed about working virtually was a potential
negative impact on business relationships (23%). This was particularly
true among younger respondents, who, while one might assume would be
more comfortable with the technology, may also have a less established
network of business contacts. Despite these speculative concerns, among
those who have worked virtually, nearly all (97%) report that their
relationships have either improved (35%) or remained the same (62%).
About the Study
After three years, WorldCom Conferencing's "Meetings in
America" provides a multi-dimensional look at the major areas
influencing its customers' business environment and the related
workplace movements and trends. This year's study was conducted by
Modalis Research Technologies, headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Data
collection was conducted from Jan. 3-15, 2001, among 510 qualified
respondents representing a cross section of business managers and staff
at large, medium and small organizations throughout the United States.
Complete results of the study can be viewed online at
http://e-meetings.wcom.com.
About WorldCom
WorldCom (NASDAQ: WCOM) is a preeminent global communications company
for the digital generation, generation d, operating in more than 65
countries with 2000 revenues of approximately $40 billion. WorldCom
provides the innovative technologies and services that are the
foundation for business in the 21st century. For more information, go
to http://www.worldcom.com.
Enabling the digital generation, WorldCom's e-meeting services
include audio, video, and Net conferencing, webcasting, pre- and
post-meeting support tools, and equipment sales and support. Customers
can schedule services and learn more at http://e-meetings.wcom.com.
**Editor's Note**
WorldCom will conduct a media briefing-virtually, of course-on March 14
at 11:30 AM EST. You may attend the audioconference portion of the
briefing by calling 888-673-9784 or 712-257-2494 (the passcode is
"MIA"). You may also view the accompanying Web presentation by logging
onto http://netconf6.wcom.com. The Net Conference name is 3405221 and
the passcode is "MIA." To RSVP for the briefing, or for any questions,
please call David Alfafara of Dome Communications at (312) 467-0760.
The briefing will be led by:
* Tim Reedy, WorldCom vice president of Conferencing Marketing and
Finance
* Dr. Jaclyn Kostner, author of Virtual Leadership and the forthcoming
Bionic eTeamwork
* Walt Harris, executive vice president, Modalis Research Technologies
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