With COVID-19 social distancing measures still in place, remote work can complicate things when a new worker needs to be hired. Our new reality is forcing some employers to recruit and onboard candidates virtually, without even meeting them in person.

Here are six ideas which may be helpful as you refine your hiring process…

1. Choose video over phone - Phone interviews can't match video calls for building connections that are crucial for determining the right fit. Some candidates may even think less of companies that conduct the entire process over the phone. That means firms that lean on phone interviews risk losing top talent.

2. Hiring principles haven't changed - Managers still must evaluate candidates based on attributes such as confidence, knowledge and experience. The depth of these traits is conveyed by communications skills, expressions, mannerisms and clothing choices – all easily observed over video.

3. Relationship building - In a virtual environment, everyone needs to work harder to connect. Managers should take the lead by inviting new hires to as many meetings as possible during the first few weeks. It's the most efficient way to introduce newcomers to co-workers, orient them to the organization and help them understand their role and tasks.

4. Collaborate in the cloud - A cloud-based workspace brings everyone together and allows them to collaborate in real time. It also shortens the learning curve for new employees. In the cloud, managers can immediately provide feedback on assignments.

5. Click to communicate - Collaboration tools, like MiCollab's web chat and video, are fast becoming worthy replacements for instant in-person interactions. This can even bring managers closer to new employees in a way that being in the office together can't. During one-to-one meetings, video provides a glimpse into each other’s world. This makes it easier to build a stronger working relationship.

6. Re-imagine social events - To fully integrate, new hires need to build relationships with other employees. In an era of social distancing, the trick is to make such experiences as personal as possible. Many companies have instituted regular "coffee breaks" inviting a diverse group of people to expand the new hire's circle.

Let’s talk about how CTS can energize your remote hiring process with better technology solutions. Contact us today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Included with all Office 365 plans, Microsoft Teams is a popular collaboration tool that encompasses chat, meetings, calling and collaboration. If your organization is committed to Microsoft Teams, Mitel offers several integration options to enhance Teams with added voice capabilities - offering even more value to your existing Mitel solutions:

By pairing Mitel with Microsoft Teams, you can save time, reduce costs and improve your calling experience with integrated telephony, conferencing and contact center.

Your local CTS experts can help you integrate your Microsoft productivity tools with your Mitel’s communications. Contact us today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

After September 30, 2020, ShoreTel replacement parts and support of the ShoreTel 14.2 or prior versions will no longer be supported by Mitel.

To simplify and ease your transition plans, Mitel has rolled out SpeedWay - a very attractive migration program to make an upgrade to MiCloud Connect services easier and more affordable than ever.

By combining intuitive user experience and flexible service plans with Google Cloud's proven reliability, the MiCloud Connect service makes every aspect of cloud communications and collaboration simple to use and manage.

Let's talk about what an upgrade from ShoreTel to MiCloud Connect would look like for your business.

Contact CTS today at: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

For businesses that need to record voice transactions, service calls and other conversations, there’s a solution… Simply add a call recording capability to your phone system.

Today’s call recording solutions support single-site workgroups and multiple locations with advanced features. Monitor all calls, or record on demand. Call recordings are stored anywhere you choose. You also have access to several useful features…

Learn more about how call recording solutions can help you organize and improve your business communications. Contact CTS today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Designed for MiCloud Connect users, Mitel’s collaborative Teamwork app transforms the way organizations work and enables your teams to be more productive and collaborative, whether they're in the office or on the go.

When you combine these capabilities with an all-in-one Cloud Voice service, you can increase cross-team productivity and unite your employees to communicate and collaborate effortlessly.

Empower your mobile users with the Mitel Teamwork App. Contact CTS today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Know someone who is grappling with a Remote Workforce? Moving or looking for a new phone system? A friend who needs faster broadband? A business partner who wants to add Video collaboration?

Tell us about it... Just mention, "Newsletter Referral Program" when you contact us - we'll take care of the rest. CTS rewards you with $250 when we get their business. And there's no paperwork hassle or hoops to jump through.

Contact us with your sales tip at: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.