While remote working was initially considered a temporary solution to aid organizations in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of companies have now transitioned to virtual board meetings as a regular part of their board member and director engagement. However, just like any other new venture, it may take some time for boards to feel at ease and productive in a virtual setting.
It can be challenging to create a sense of friendship or interactivity in a virtual context like it is in a physical environment. Adding an interactive component to meetings such as breakout sessions, a quiz or even a poll could be helpful in breaking up long presentations and encouraging more participation. Another issue is that those who aren’t used to using teleconferencing or video conferences platforms may be scared of making the switch online. This can lead to less engagement than in the past.
It is crucial to select the right technology platform that is easy to use for online board meetings. It’s helpful to review the technology before the meeting to ensure everyone has the correct equipment and is able to participate without any problems. It is also beneficial to limit the length of online meetings to avoid the possibility of fatigue from screens as people begin to become uncomfortable after staring at a computer screen for too long. A short agenda that includes estimated times for each item can aid the chair in controlling the meeting and keep the pace moving.
