In recent years, technology has changed the way businesses work. With the rise of digital meeting tools, businesses are now able to collaborate remotely with team mates and clients.
The decision whether to hold online meetings or face to face depends on the objectives of the project and the available resources. However, face to face meetings offer many benefits.
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1. Cost
The cost of online meetings can be significantly lower than face to face meetings. This is because online meetings don’t require the use of large conference rooms or elaborate technology setups like those found in a physical meeting.
However, there are still some situations where face to face meetings are necessary. According to Harvard Business Review, these include task-based meetings, where a group of people need to prepare for a project or discuss an issue.
Furthermore, in-person meetings are more likely to build trust and foster a sense of community. This is especially true for team meetings and collaborations.
It is also important to remember that face to face communication allows participants to better understand each other’s hand gestures and body language. In addition, it helps participants to read each other’s facial expressions and emotions.
2. Flexibility
With online meetings, you can have meetings that fit your team’s schedule. From quick 10-minute check-ins to weekly meetings that run for an hour, online meetings allow you to choose the time and location that works best for your team.
Aside from saving travel costs, virtual meetings also save attendees time. They can join from anywhere they have an internet connection. They can even drop in and out of meetings if they need to catch up on another thing.
They can also be more effective if the agenda is tight. It is easier to keep meetings on track, and people don’t get distracted with small talk or unnecessary pleasantries.
Online meetings can also be more interactive than face to face meetings, particularly if you host polls or live chats. You can also use audio-visual technology such as teleconferencing or satellite video.
3. Security
As online meetings become increasingly popular, it is crucial to implement security measures that will prevent unwanted attendees and protect data. These security precautions will also help to keep employees safe and avoid cybercriminals sabotaging online meetings.
One of the simplest and most important security practices is to establish a personal, unique meeting ID for each online video conference. Additionally, a password or PIN number will help to ensure that only the people who were invited to the meeting can join.
Creating an online waiting room is another way to add a layer of security, as it allows the host to screen participants before they enter the meeting. This can be very helpful for a wide range of purposes, including interviews or virtual office hours.
If your organisation has a large number of remote workers, you may want to equip them with their own computers. This can help to reduce network issues and increase productivity. However, it is essential to collaborate with IT to ensure that all the devices are secure.
4. Planning
Despite technological advances, many businesses still prefer face to face meetings because they facilitate better communication and help build strong relationships. If you are a new leader or a seasoned professional, learning to lead face to face meetings can help you advance your career.
When people are able to see each other in a meeting, they’re more likely to stay focused and resist the urge to multitask. They’re also more comfortable sharing their ideas and discussing critical topics.
In addition, face to face meetings allow leaders to monitor nonverbal cues and interpret micro-behaviors that people often don’t convey through words. These clues can help you gauge interest, adjust the tone of voice, clarify if you see confusion and engage attention.