Beating Zoom Fatigue

Somewhat of an old idea,  how well can it be done?   And, as we have been seeing with facial recognition, will it be blocked for implying the wrong 'kind' of control?   I would further ask, is 'zoom fatigue' any different from just general in-the-office work fatigue?  Seems if anything it is less controlling/fatiguing since you can avoid and hide from it readily. 

Emotionally aware technology could help us beat Zoom fatigue By Rana El Kaliouby in FastCompany
In times of crises we tend to crave connection, but we’re being asked to do the opposite through social distancing. More emotionally intelligent computers could help bridge the gap.  ... " 

Visualization of Telecommuting Data

A good data visualization of information about US telecommuting, with a strong ability to interact with the data.  In the Tableau Public site.  Much better than an infographic in display and adaptability for further study.  Answering the question:   " ... Is Telecommuting the Wave of the Future? ... Working from home may be the way of the future, as shown by Peter Kim in this viz published by Drew Hendricks of Forbes. Use the drop down filter to investigate different characteristics of the US population.  ... " 

Using a Cloud Phone To Your Benefit

Molly Malone a freelance writer relates, in a guest post:

As a technology enthusiast, you’ve no doubt heard of the cloud – cloud computing, cloud-based storage, cloud phone systems, and more. By harnessing the power and ubiquity of the Internet, the cloud ensures that your files are safe and can be shared and that your phone systems aren’t dependent on a landline. This is great news for people who telecommute or travel often; being out of the office doesn’t have to mean being disconnected. You can easily harness the power of the cloud by using products like Google Drive for managing projects and documents; whether you need to work on a spreadsheet or presentation, Google offers ways to manage these while also remaining compatible with Microsoft Office. 

But how do you keep your phone line when you’re traveling or telecommuting? Cloud phone systems, like those offered from companies like Broadview Networks, keep you in the loop no matter where you are. All you need is an Internet connection and a cell phone, and you can easily use the same phone number and extension that you would in the office. This helps project a professional image to clients and stakeholders, no matter where you are. Click here to learn more about how cloud phone systems might be a great solution for you and your business. Beyond phone systems and managing documents, however, the cloud is also a much safer storage space than your typical hard drive.  Save photos, music, and important files to the cloud and access them wherever, whenever – without the worry of losing them! How else have you used the cloud?  

Bio: Molly Malone is a Philadelphia-based copywriter and public relations specialist, with a great deal of freelance and telecommuting experience. Follow her on Google+! 

Designing for Collaboration and Mobility Plus Circles

Have recently seen several examples of companies handing out large numbers of tablets and phone Apps, without really thinking through the entire process.  Here in Technology Review:   Designing Around Collaboration and Mobility: Technology shift sparks a rethinking of conventional office space.  With mobile devices invading the workplace and more workers telecommuting, many companies—and the design firms that serve them—are rapidly changing their thinking about conventional office space ...  "

What is discussed is fairly obvious and being done in the enterprise already.  I am inclined to think there are other ideas, inspired by Google Circles, and even Flash Mobs, that can drive specific expertise to the work more rapidly than ever before, and does not require the traditional office.