As we’re all well aware, the COVID-19 pandemic got the world on the wrong side in many ways and caused reformations that profoundly and interestingly affected our lives- particularly our work lives.
One of the most interesting changes we’ve experienced is a massive shift in workplace culture. It has become part of us while the orders to stay at home have led to major and significant changes in how people work.
With the recent pandemic, many companies have opted out of the office and have embraced the virtual route. This does not exempt the fact that meetings still have to be carried out, work has to be done, and objectives still have to be met.
In today’s workplaces, you are likely to work with people who don’t share the exact geographical location as you; therefore, virtual meetings are the only way to catch up with work meetings remotely. There being no precise predictions about the status of the pandemic, then virtual offices are here to stay.
Being remote presents a few challenges as well as a few opportunities. As companies no longer have to worry about putting people in planes for meetings, transit, or travel time and money, virtual meetings have ripped people from the pleasure of physical collaboration at work and face-to-face interaction.
Many have strived to make sure they still maintain that environment where colleagues work and still have fun remotely. Other than that, these meetings can be exhausting, and meeting fatigue can be a real issue in this age and time of transition from office to online.
Staring at your laptop’s screen for minutes or hours seems less attractive than being in the office with the rest of your colleagues. That said, there are ways you can make online meetings productive.
Ways to make online meetings productive
Submit the meeting agenda beforehand
A meeting that has a clear plan saves people’s time. Avoid jam-packed meetings with too many objectives. It also ensures that goals are easily met, and the purpose of the meeting is achieved.
Make the meetings short and precise.
Refrain from filling the allotted time with other unnecessary things, primarily if the agenda of the meeting has been achieved and there is no other business.
Professionalism and Etiquette
Always keep online meetings professional and observe etiquette when discussing serious agendas.
Avoid long boring speeches.
Share information in unique and interesting ways by using visuals, power-point illustrations, etc., to elaborate instead of long boring speeches.
Be easy with the meetings.
Easy meetings are the best. Allow siping of beverages and drinks as you make time for soft and business talks.
Incorporate break-out sessions
Include break-out groups that can attend to issues mentioned and offer practical solutions. This saves time in solving a particular problem and ensures equal distribution of work and equal participation of members. In the process, allow some time for movement and breaks in between.
Be considerate of the meeting hours.
Schedule meetings during comfortable hours when everyone has the energy to listen and participate.
Encourage participation
Encourage participation from everyone, including junior staff. Some of these young people have brilliant and fresh ideas – Make the meeting a conversation rather than a lecture.
While there may be no substitute for actual human interactions at work, these tips should help close that gap or maintain that company culture.
