Remote work and virtual board meeting seem to be here for the long haul, as the pandemic demands companies to adapt to new working practices. Digital meetings are flexible, allowing attendees to be a part of the meeting without worrying about quarantine times or travel restrictions. They also cut down on costs for flights and hotels.
Online meetings are simple to set up and they’ve become more common in mission-driven organizations who wish to keep their communications on track despite the COVID-19 crisis. It is crucial to know the pitfalls of online meetings to avoid them and make your online board meetings as efficient as you can.
The most important thing to consider is the software platform you select to host your hybrid or virtual board meetings. Choose one with a Waiting Room feature that shields your meeting from non-authorized participants and only admits only those who have been invited by the host or co-host. Train your board members so that they are aware of the technology.
Encourage your board members to use a headset or a speakerphone during the meeting, and to tidy their home office so that it looks camera-ready and free of personal photos and other distracting items. Make sure they sit on a chair, not on their bed or couch. This will make them appear more professional and presentable throughout the meeting. Encourage them to speak at the beginning of the meeting to ensure that everyone hears and the meeting starts off on positive note.