Zoom Alternative Applications for Meetings – Many companies are implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies. As a result, it is not possible to hold work meetings or conferences directly. Work meetings can be held via video conferencing as a solution.

The development of video conferencing software for business purposes is now important not only for large businesses or companies, but also for small business actors, particularly for business actors who are just starting out. It is critical to understand which software or application is appropriate for video calls during meetings or other business matters.

5 Alternative Applications for Meetings

Work meetings can be held not only through the Zoom Meeting application, but also through the applications listed below. We’ve compiled a list of five video conferencing apps that are appropriate for work meetings.

1. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft made the right decision by introducing video conferencing through Microsoft Teams. This service provides almost everything a business requires, albeit at a cost. The app can host meetings with up to 10,000 participants. Users can schedule meetings, send invitations, and do other things by connecting it to Microsoft 365.

This application is available for free, but with limited features, and to obtain additional features, payments must be made based on the features required. As a result, depending on the needs, this service can be quite costly.

2. ClickMeeting

This application is designed specifically for users who need to run webinars and online presentations. This application includes features such as polls or voting, question and answer sessions, whiteboards, and screen sharing, making the process more interactive than face-to-face seminars.

However, if you require full functionality or invite hundreds of participants, ClickMeeting is not inexpensive. This app is recommended if you want full features or the ability to invite hundreds of attendees.

3. GoToMeeting

This app provides many of the features that other video conferencing software offers. This includes screen sharing, meeting recording, language transcription, and HD video recording. However, this application seems simpler and lacks certain advanced features, such as improved note-taking.

One major benefit of this app is the ease with which meetings can be scheduled on the user’s phone. This is a plus for those who have difficulty opening a laptop or personal computer to participate in online meetings. It’s also very affordable and can fit a large number of people.

4. Google Hangouts

Because almost everyone has a Google account, this app offers numerous advantages in social calling. It also makes it simple to set up Hangouts sessions with other people.

You can set up to 150 meeting participants for normal chat, but users will be limited to call time with only 10 people. Users can also access Google Hangouts via a browser or by downloading the application.

5. BlueJeans

This final but not least application has the advantage of producing sharp and clear audio. Bluejeans appears to be a service that approaches video conferencing differently than most.

On the one hand, it provides not only HD video but also very clear Dolby Vision sound. Unfortunately, unlike most other video conferencing software, this app does not have a background blurring feature. This app provides the most basic plan for up to 50 participants.

The video conferencing applications or software listed above can be used to conduct work meetings or business presentations. With the advancement of technology that can facilitate human work, it should be used as effectively as possible so that it does not have negative consequences for the users themselves.

Why do Zoom meetings feel so exhausting even when held at home?

Since the Corona pandemic forced people to work from home, Zoom has become one of the most commonly used video calling platforms for people from all walks of life for online meetings (WFH). Virtual meetings are undeniably exhausting because they last for hours every day.

After a few months of using this method of working, you may feel as if you are accustomed to making video calls. However, it appears that humans have a limit to their ability to hold virtual meetings.

In this situation, the human body and brain are constantly attempting to maintain balance or homeostasis. This occurs as a result of changes in the brain.

Something Happened Within Human Body During Online Meeting

After virtual meetings, changes in electrical activity in the brain associated with the neocortex, dopamine, and neurotransmitters have caused discomfort. When Zoom meetings are too long and feel boring, dopamine levels drop, and focus gradually fades.

Dopamine, as a neurotransmitter, is in charge of transmitting messages between nerve cells. Dopamine, along with serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, is known as the happy hormone or the happiness hormone because it influences how much pleasure you feel.

While the neocortex is thought to be the most influential part of the brain on human social intelligence. The 2-4 millimeter thick layer is thought to be the most beneficial to humans because of its role in the development of perception, reasoning, and language functions.

When Zoom meetings become monotonous, dopamine levels drop and the positive reinforcement for staying focused fades. As a result, there is a natural desire to maintain dopamine levels by seeking stimulating experiences in the environment.

Zoom meetings require a high level of focus from participants.

If this is the case, how long can a human be focused on a Zoom meeting? During the first ten minutes, is the answer. Focus begins to decrease over time and attention is diverted to other matters after that.

Focus returns in seconds after 10 minutes have passed. However, after 30 minutes, your body will begin to feel tired or hungry, and you will begin to lose focus after 3 or 4 minutes.

You will begin to fidget, play with stationery, open a chat on your phone, or switch to a different computer screen after 30 minutes of sitting in one place. After 40 to 50 minutes, you’ll be unable to concentrate on what’s being said in the meeting.

In this moment, you’ll be tempted to leave the meeting for a drink of water, to use the restroom, or simply to stretch your muscles. Instead of going to the meeting, you’re doing things like replying to emails or responding to messages.

Think about what it would be like if your body was always doing that, forcing you to stay focused on the discussion during virtual meetings. Sore and exhausting not only for the brain but for the back, ears and eyes.

Then, what is the solution?

Get Alternative Applications for Meetings

It’s worth trying the alternative Zoom meeting application above. Something new that the application offers will stimulate the brain that makes the body fresher.

Intermittent breaks

A 45-minute time limit is generally accepted by industry professionals. Take a 15-minute break if the meeting goes on for longer than that.

As a rule of thumb, try to avoid having too many long meetings in a single day. Before you jump into another Zoom meeting, give it a couple of hours. A good example of this would be morning and evening.

During WFH’s halftime break, get some fresh air and movement by stretching and going for a short walk.