Online Board Meetings Benefits

Many companies are adjusting to working at home as a permanent solution following the pandemic, teleconferences have become more common than ever. While the ease of virtual meetings is a clear benefit, there are a couple of issues to be aware of prior to making the change.

Reduced engagement: Going remote might be a little daunting for those who aren’t accustomed to using the internet for communication, leading to decreased participation in the meeting. This could slow the progress of the board and delay the agenda.

It can be a challenge to read facial expressions and body language during a virtual conversation that can lead to misunderstandings. Eye contact is not always present. could also cause directors to feel uncomfortable speaking up and becoming passive listeners, which isn’t the ideal situation for boards.

The board portal can be used to help improve these problems. A board management software that includes a secure video conferencing feature, for example makes it simple to record and store important documents. Directors can then access the Online Board Meeting minutes and documents at any time, from any device, even prior to the next meeting.

It’s also a good idea to ensure that the room is tidy and free of distractions. For instance the meeting shouldn’t be held during meal time and everyone should turn off their phones when they are not speaking to minimize background noise. The chair should be able to see all attendees and advise them to only use their microphones only when they are needed.