As board members return to meetings in person and hybrid board meetings are the new normal. This new method allows participants to meet in person and via remote simultaneously to reduce costs while increasing accessibility. It is vital that your business sets up meeting guidelines and expectations, whether you opt for all-virtual or in-person meetings, with remote attendees. The best way to accomplish that is by ensuring the technology is working properly and establishing clear guidelines for participation and establishing a clear purpose for communication.

Hybrid board meetings are not without their challenges, however. Some board members may be discontented that they aren’t allowed to interact in the same room, or may consider that their contributions are not as effective because they cannot offer face-to-face context to their colleagues commentaries. Meeting experts suggest that you concentrate on proactive measures to encourage collaboration. For instance, you can open virtual rooms to encourage interaction prior to and during meetings, as well as during breaks. You can also utilize tools like the board portal to manage the work of your board.

Another common issue is that there are different levels of technological expertise among board members. Some remote participants may not be able to attend the meeting or might be hindered due to poor audio or video quality, or an insufficient internet connection. You can help your board navigate these challenges by educating participants on how to utilize technology and making sure they have reliable equipment on hand prior to the meeting.

Board Meeting