Online Board Meetings Benefits
Teleconferences have become more common as many companies adjust to working from home permanently following the pandemic. While the convenience of virtual meetings is a clear advantage, there are a couple of issues to be aware of prior to making the change.
A lower level of engagement: Going remote may initially be intimidating for those who aren’t used to online communication, which leads to a decrease in participation at the meeting. This could slow the progress of the board and hinder its agenda.
It can be difficult to comprehend body language and facial expressions during a virtual discussion that can lead to miscommunications. Lack of eye contact may cause directors to feel less comfortable and apathetic listeners. This is not good for a board.
Utilizing the board portal may assist in resolving these issues. A board management tool with a secure video conferencing feature, for example allows you to keep track of and archive important documents. Directors can then access the documents and minutes anytime, from any device, including before the next meeting.
It is also a good idea to ensure the conference space is tidy and distraction-free. The meeting shouldn’t be held during mealtimes, and everyone is encouraged to use a muffled phone when they are not talking in order to minimize background noise. The chair should be able to observe all attendees in camera and encourage them to use their microphones only when needed to ensure that everyone is not talking at once.