Virtual Meetings: Make Them Better with Science

How virtual meetings bend our brains (and how to make them good bends)

Some science for the curious

Virtual meetings – love them or hate them – they’re widely used and here to stay. Uptake is very high, driven by the pandemic and ongoing Work From Home culture (with lively debate right now regarding that for government).

With such pervasive usage the scene has been set for scientific investigation into how we interact with and are affected by this meeting type – which could be applied to improve our use of virtual meetings.

Here are some starters for 10 that I found interesting, and I hope you will too:

This article states that 72% of us use virtual backgrounds (for various interesting reasons – to impress others, to show alignment with them etc – fascinating in itself), and that the background matters to how tired you and others on the call may become (Virtual Fatigue). The finding is you’re best using either the blur effect or a static nature image – give it a try.
Mirror mirror on the wall….This article finds that looking at images of ourselves as we speak is not great when we are listening to others, but is great when we’re the one speaking (no recommendation there, but I’m off to see if I can find a Teams config that will only show me myself when I’m speaking).
If you’ve ever felt a little sleepy on a virtual meeting – here’s an explanationThis article that compares drowsiness and cognitive performance between in-person and virtual meetings – key finding including that under-stimulation on virtual meetings is a key driver of drowsiness and decreased cognitive performance AND is mitigated by high workplace engagement (so organisations – get those engagement ratings up !!).
Your teams can be in the zone on virtual meetingsThis article explains how/why the virtual meeting experience can create a state of flow (a benefit that surprised me) and the importance of a culture of authentic emotions/culture to that

17 October 2024 Bryan Teh General, IT, Recruitment, Science Comments Off

The Evolution of Tech Recruitment

In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation and agility are paramount, are traditional interview processes still effective? This month’s article delves into whether conventional hiring methods are outdated and explores alternative approaches that might better serve tech companies in identifying top talent.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Interviews

Bias and Subjectivity: Despite best efforts, traditional interviews often suffer from unconscious biases, leading to decisions based on subjective criteria rather than objective skills.
Skill Mismatch: Traditional interviews may not accurately assess a candidate’s technical abilities or problem-solving skills, often focusing more on how well candidates can talk about their experience rather than demonstrate it.
Time-Consuming and Inefficient: The lengthy process of scheduling, conducting, and evaluating interviews can slow down the hiring process, causing companies to miss out on top talent who might accept offers elsewhere.

Emerging Alternatives

Technical Assessments and Coding Challenges: Many companies are now using coding challenges and technical assessments to evaluate candidates’ real-world skills. These tools provide a more objective measure of a candidate’s ability to perform the job.
Project-Based Interviews: Instead of traditional Q&A sessions, candidates are given real-world problems to solve, mirroring the tasks they would encounter on the job. This method not only assesses technical skills but also problem-solving abilities and creativity.
AI and Data-Driven Hiring Tools: Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can help screen resumes, match candidates to roles based on skills and experience, and even conduct initial assessments, reducing bias and increasing efficiency.

Success Stories with Non-Traditional Hiring Methods

Use Case A: By implementing project-based interviews, Company A reduced their hiring time by 40% and reported a 30% increase in employee retention.
Use Case B: Using AI-driven recruitment tools, Company B improved the diversity of their hires by 25%, showcasing a more inclusive hiring process.

The Human Touch: Balancing Technology and Personal Interaction

While these innovative methods offer numerous benefits, it’s crucial to maintain a balance. As highlighted in a previous Techspace article by Lesha, personal interaction still plays a vital role in assessing cultural fit and interpersonal skills. The key is to integrate these new tools to enhance, not replace, human judgment.

Techspace Consulting’s Approach

At Techspace Consulting, we pride ourselves on being New Zealand’s top tech recruiters. We understand the importance of evolving with the industry. By embracing new methods such as technical assessments, project-based interviews, and AI-driven tools, we streamline our hiring process, reduce bias, and ultimately attract and retain top talent for our clients.

We invite hiring managers and tech recruiters to share their thoughts and experiences. How has your organization adapted to the changing landscape of tech recruitment?

24 June 2024 Bryan Teh General, IT, Recruitment Comments Off

INTEGRITY: A Powerful Pathway to Employment in the Tech Talent Hunt

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the demand for skilled professionals in the IT sector, both globally and in New Zealand, has reached unprecedented levels. This scarcity of talent poses significant challenges for recruiters seeking to attract and retain top-tier candidates. Amidst this competitive landscape, maintaining integrity in the recruitment process becomes paramount.

The Significance of Integrity in Tech Recruitment

The Talent Shortage: Challenges and Opportunities

The technology sector faces a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in specialized roles like software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. To stand out in this talent-shortage scenario, recruiters must uphold principles of integrity to attract the best candidates.

Building Trust and Fairness

Integrity, comprising honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour, serves as the foundation for building trust between recruiters, candidates, and organizations. Demonstrating integrity fosters fairness in the recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

Showcasing Integrity to Attract Top Talent

Ethical Behaviour as a Competitive Advantage

In a highly competitive landscape, organizations known for ethical behaviour and transparent processes gain a competitive advantage in attracting top talent. Upholding integrity distinguishes them from their competitors and contributes to a positive employer brand.

Candidate Experience Matters

Amidst talent scarcity, focusing on the candidate experience becomes critical. Treating candidates with respect, providing timely feedback, and transparently communicating about the recruitment process enhances their perception of the organization and boosts the employer brand.

Honesty in Job Descriptions

Maintaining integrity when advertising job opportunities is vital. Clear and accurate job descriptions, outlining project scope, technologies used, and growth prospects, foster trust and help candidates make informed decisions.

The Role of Candidates in Upholding Integrity

Providing Accurate Information

Candidates must also act with integrity by providing accurate information about their qualifications, experience, and aspirations. Misrepresenting skills or credentials can lead to a poor fit within the organization and hinder long-term career growth.

Contributing to Transparency

Candidates who uphold integrity contribute to a fair and transparent recruitment process, benefiting both themselves and the employer. Transparency ensures that candidates find the right career match and align with the organization’s values.

Recruiters and Hiring Managers: Leading by Example

Clearly Communicating Expectations

Recruiters and hiring managers should maintain integrity in their interactions with candidates and fellow recruiters. Clearly communicating expectations and requirements helps identify the best-fit candidates accurately.

Sharing Information about Company Culture

Being open about the organization’s culture and work environment helps potential candidates make informed decisions. This level of transparency reflects positively on the organization’s integrity.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of tech talent acquisition, embracing integrity becomes a crucial pathway to success. By prioritizing honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour in the recruitment process, trust and fairness are fostered among all stakeholders involved.

Organizations that uphold integrity gain a distinct competitive edge, attracting and retaining top talent in the technology sector. For aspiring candidates, integrity becomes a decisive factor in carving out a successful career, as it lays the foundation for long-term growth within an organization.

Embracing integrity becomes a transformative journey that fuels opportunities and unlocks the full potential of the tech industry, guiding candidates and organizations towards a promising and fulfilling future.

27 July 2023 Alex Smith Career Advice, General Comments Off