Flexible and remote work are both on the rise, and as a result it’s easy to see why there’s so much business demand for collaboration solutions, such as web and video conferencing and online team workspaces. The new virtual team needs intuitive, integrated and centralized ways to communicate quickly, share documents and manage their various projects. However, collaboration software isn’t …

Recently, PGi conducted a survey of knowledge workers around the world on the subject of telecommuting. Out of over 3,000 workers surveyed, an overwhelming majority (79%) have the opportunity to work remotely at least one day a week. Our survey also shed light on both the perceived benefits and negatives of telecommuting around the globe. While anecdotal evidence, the numbers …

Collaboration can be the gateway to work-life balance, true, but it can also lead to an environment where workers are expected to be constantly connected. The fact of the matter is that the technology in our lives has created a scenario where we’re inclined to check our phones at all hours of the night. It’s become engrained into our collective …

I have a saying I like to use in the workplace from time to time. Or, rather, it’d be more accurate to say I have a saying that I like to paraphrase: “Get positive, or get the [redacted] out.” I used to have this written on the board in my office but it turned a few too many heads. In …

In a recent survey, PGi found that 79% of respondents had the ability to telework at least one day a week. This is a huge victory for flexible work advocates everywhere, but it also means that we’re seeing an increased number of either fully or partially remote teams. The added challenges and barriers facing virtual teams mean that managers have …

Flexible work is on the rise all over the globe. Knowledge workers the world over are increasingly wanting—if not demanding—the ability to telecommute at least part-time. Whether it’s to skip a brutal commute, improve work-life balance or simply work with less distractions, telework isn’t a nice-to-have anymore; it’s increasingly a must-have. As the world’s largest dedicated provider of collaboration software …

I constantly challenge my team to elevate themselves professionally. I want them to bring new, innovative and even disruptive ideas to the table in addition to their regularly scheduled responsibilities. I want them to feel comfortable trying things, even if they fail, so that we can all learn together. I want them to minimize their busy work and maximize their …

When interviewing potential new hires for my team, “culture” is a term that comes up quite often. Candidates (particularly younger candidates and Millennials) are very interested in a team’s culture and its impact on the work environment. And for HR and hiring managers, finding someone who is a good “cultural fit” is one of the most important yet difficult-to-define objectives …

Collaboration is everything to modern businesses, and one of the most important areas where collaboration shines is creating and connecting teams. Fostering effective teamwork is one of the keys to productivity and business success, but changing workstyles, evolving technologies and an increasing number of remote and flexible workers have created a dramatic shift in teamwork dynamics. Are you equipped to …

Modern workers have to be able to come together, sharing information and communicating across departmental and geographical boundaries, in order to get things done. The key to bridging these boundaries is collaboration—the technology, workstyles and policies that enable your workforce to come together whenever and however they choose. Collaboration is a strategic benefit to your organization that can deliver improved …

I’ve never ascribed to the notion that my team should be thankful for being employed, or that they somehow owe me or the company a debt for giving them a job. Rather, I endeavor to surround myself with people that humble me with their contributions and skills, people that I am thankful to have the pleasure to know and work …

We’re talking about presentation nightmares, fears and anxieties this week on the Future of Business Collaboration, a topic that I am (unfortunately) quite familiar with. In my role here at PGi, I’m constantly presenting. Whether it’s a strategy session with our board of directors, an M&A discussion with our CEO or a corporate presentation to existing or potential investors, my …

As the manager of a team of professionals, there are a lot of questions I constantly have to ask myself. How do I get the most out of my team? How do I help them work together more effectively and be more productive? How do I challenge them to develop, both personally and professionally? While there are many potential ways …

I wear a lot of hats at PGi, but one of the closest to my heart is managing a team of corporate communicators. Part of that job entails creating and nurturing the internal culture at PGi, bringing all of our 2,100+ associates together under the same vision, mission and core values. For any organization, creating a healthy, vibrant culture is …

I am a family man, through and through. As much as I value my experiences working at PGi and all of the innovative technologies and creative people I get to work with, nothing is more precious to me than the time I get to spend with my girls – my two daughters and my lovely wife – and our most …

We’re obsessed with work here at PGi: from how we work and the technology we use to the global impact of collaboration and productivity trends. So when we saw the results of our most recent survey, we were sadly unsurprised to learn that working smarter, not harder, is still a major issue for workers and businesses everywhere. A staggering 88 …

Throughout my years on Wall Street and working in investor relations, I have seen (and given) literally thousands of presentations. Despite all of our technological advances, the humble presentation is still often the best way to pitch your company, sell your product, justify your project or simply tell your story. As creative collaborators, we’re always on the lookout for new …

I spent a large portion of my career as an individual contributor. But today I live and breathe collaboration, and the time I spend working with and managing my team of communicators here at PGi makes for some of the most rewarding moments in my day. Except here’s the rub: the other parts of my job involve a great deal …

In sales guru Dan Solin’s latest book, The Smartest Sales Book You’ll Ever Read, Dan includes a section on the power of video conferencing for creating emotional, human connections online. I was fortunate to be asked to provide my insights for the video conferencing chapter: According to Sean O’Brien, an executive for the company behind iMeet, the formula for successful …

Telecommuting is an important force within today’s shift in business and personal life. As businesses and workers celebrate Telework Week 2014, employers and employees will make commitments to increase telecommuting and productivity, while decreasing commute times and stress. And the results are exciting indicators of how work is evolving from four walls to anywhere freedom, despite several highly publicized bans …