While remote working was once thought of as a temporary measure to help organizations get through the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are now embracing virtual board meetings as a permanent part of their director and board member engagement. However, as with any new venture, it may require some time for boards to feel comfortable and productive in a virtual environment.
It can be difficult to create a sense community or interaction in a virtual context like it is in a real one. The addition of interactive elements to meetings, such as breakout sessions, a game or even a poll can be helpful in breaking lengthy presentations and encouraging more participation. Another issue is that those who aren’t accustomed to using video conference or teleconferencing platforms may be scared of using the internet. This can lead to less engagement than in the past.
It’s crucial to make sure that the technology platform selected for an online board meeting is user-friendly, making it easy for everyone to use. It websites is helpful to go through the technology prior to the meeting to ensure that everyone is equipped with the right equipment and is able to participate without any problems. It is also beneficial to limit the duration of online meetings in order to prevent screen fatigue as people can get uncomfortable after staring at the computer screen for long. Including a short agenda with estimates of time limits for each item can aid in the pace of the meeting and help the chair in directing the meeting.