Imagine going to a meeting where you can see your co-workers via webcam on your computer screen, while collaborating, sharing your desktop, and being able to “raise your hand” to speak. Also imagine that a group of you are in the Philippines and your other co-workers are in the US and the UK.

As more and more people work remotely, companies are looking for ways for workers to feel like part of a group. Even though working remotely is a popular concept, telecommuters are still in the minority representing only 2 percent of the US workforce.

It is more cost effective to have remote workers, but companies need to look for ways to keep everyone working together and not be isolated, especially when some workers are working onsite and the rest are working virtually. One company, and indeed a North American company I used to work for, decided one day to get everyone working remotely and close the Toronto office. That way, they lose the real estate and keep the people.

So now when everyone is in a virtual meeting, how do we handle that? Here are some tips.

1. When speaking on a conference call, identify yourself. I find it disheartening when I don’t know who is speaking at the moment.

2. Avoid using instant messaging and private chats during the meeting.

3. Sometimes we can’t help a sneeze. But if you are going to drink some water, or cough, hit the mute button, especially in larger meetings. I’ve been on meetings when someone is actually having a phone conversation and not realizing that they are not on mute. All those gory details ...

4. If you are going to be on a webcam, dress appropriately and be in a professional setting; aka, not your bedroom!

5. If you plan to share your desktop, make sure it is clean. I find loads of icons and files on the desktop to be distracting, in addition to certain screen savers ...

Working remotely is a wonderful concept as it creates work-life balance. Even though in effect we can’t manage time (as time keeps ticking on no matter what we do), we do get to manage our energy better and less time is spent on commuting. Virtual teams are more focused. But it may be a good idea, as my former employer did, to have people work onsite first before going virtual at home. This builds a sense of trust.

Share your thoughts! Do you like working remotely or do you prefer working in an office? If you work remotely, how do you handle isolation?