Consultant and facilitator, Ruth Richards helps hybrid organisations work together better. Here she explains how to run hybrid meetings more effectively.
Some people present in person, some people dialling in on Zoom. The hybrid landscape means we need to address the (virtual) elephant in the room. Not everyone is getting the same experience and we need to start changing how we prepare, conduct and evaluate meetings.
Meetings can be the source of much discontent in the working world. According to recent researchfrom Microsoft, remote workers spend more than 50% of their time communicating (mostly in meetings and on email) – and complaining about how many meetings we need to attend is part of the employee experience. We’ve all been sat in an endless roundtable listening to someone from another department drone on about their quarterly targets and how well they are doing.
However, meetings are crucial for an effective organisation. Research consistently shows thatcompanies with high levels of collaboration perform better and have happier employees. Meetingsare where that collaboration happens.
Why we need meetings
Meetings are where we share information to ensure everyone understands and knows what is goingon. They are where we generate new ideas. They are where we identify problems and make plans toaddress them. They are where we share learning and provide feedback. They are where we addressconflict and ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.
Meetings are how we get work done. So it’s important to make sure you are getting the best out ofthem.
According to the Chartered Institute of Professional Development, three quarters of employers nowoffer hybrid working. This means hybrid meetings (by which I mean meetings where some attendeesare online and others are in are in a room together) are more and more common.
Most of us are now comfortable with running an effective online meeting, using tools such as screensharing and online whiteboards. A hybrid meeting is more challenging, because you need to managetwo very different experiences at the same time.
It looks as if you’re not authorised to view this content.
You need to login to your account below to see more.
If you’re not yet subscribed and would like access to all the articles and other resources:
Head here to check out the subscriber options
Subscribers can get:
•
It looks as if you’re not authorised to view this content.
You need to be logged in and have full access to The Subscribers Lounge to see this page.
If you wish to upgrade your subscription, you can do this on your Account page.
If you’re not yet subscribed and would like access to all the articles and other resources:
Head here to check out the subscriber options
Subscribers can get:
• Access to all articles and magazine issues
• The full back issue library of digital magazines
• Full library of talks, webinars and videos
• Networking and virtual coworking opportunities
• Playlists for productivity and focus
• Discounts on courses or events
Find out more when you subscribe
