Ever since the world has opted for remote working, there hasn’t been any going back. Now, even if things have gotten back to what they were before, organizations are still preferring remote working over the in-office working environment. Though things have improved dramatically, and organizations have aced the art of pulling off remote working, we cannot ignore the fact that they were so complicated earlier. When we just started with remote working, we knew it wasn’t that seamless; things haven’t been this easy right from the start.
A few days into remote work, many realized how vastly things differ when we talk about the difference between remote and offline workforce. Both formats require a different approach. Things are more efficient in a physical work setup; also, a physical setting gives a more in-person feel to the work. However, the remote work format comes with the first-hand involvement of technology, and everything is done on online conference platforms.
Also, one thing that we are sure many have realized is that remote working is not ideal for all kinds of organizations. There is a lot more that one needs to know about remote work and remote meetings. In this blog, we will talk about both topics in detail. So, without any ado, let us jump into the blog.
Virtual Meetings or Remote Meetings
As one can clearly get from the name, virtual meetings are those meetings that utilize online meeting platforms. Remote meetings are hosted completely on online platforms, which use the internet. Not many like to believe but virtual meetings are more efficient than their in-person counterparts. Not only this but unlike physical meetings, online meetings can be easy to plan, ideate, and execute. Along with it, it is easier for the organizers as well as the attendees to join a remote meeting. All they need to do is log in to the online conference platforms via their laptops or mobile phones.
Since virtual meetings facilitate both audio and video calls, they are as effective as traditional meetings. This feature of online meetings makes them as, if not more, efficient than physical meetings.
Benefits of Online Meetings
Talking of the advantages that come with remote meetings, there are several points that one can take into consideration. Some of them are:
- Save Money
The first and most noticeable advantage of hosting meetings on online conference platforms is they help all parties in saving money. We all know how expensive flight tickets can get at times, and think of the times when it is a festive season. Flight and hotel booking costs touch the sky during peak times, and not everyone can afford them. With things going online, the attendees don’t have to spend any amount of money to attend a meeting. Similarly, the organizers also get to save money as the only thing they have to spend money on is an online conference platform. Another thing they should keep in mind is there are several free online conference platforms; it is nothing less than hitting a jackpot.
- More Interactive
Remote Team Meetings are more efficient when it comes to boosting interactivity and communication among the attendees. Several online conference platforms come with networking tools such as live chat, live polls, networking lounges, and breakout rooms. All these tools help the attendees set up one-on-one connections with each other. So, if you were of the opinion that online meetings are not as effective as physical meetings when it comes to networking and communication, maybe you should consider switching to some efficient online video conference platforms.
- Save Time
Along with enabling employees and employers to save money, remote team meetings enable them to save plenty of time. With remote meetings, the attendees no longer have to commute back and forth from their homes to the meetings. It means they don’t have to wake up hours before the meeting, hassle for the parking space, and spend literally 10 hours for a 2-hour meeting. The employers and employees can join a few minutes before the meeting.
- Increase in Productivity
The next benefit that comes with meetings hosted on virtual meeting platforms is an increase in the productivity of all the members of the meeting. We have talked about the inconveniences that come with meetings hosted physically; one needs to spend money and time, and go through a number of things to attend another regular team meeting. It sometimes results in a decline in the overall productivity of the employees and employers. Not only this, we all know that the meeting doesn’t get started the moment everybody joins it. We all need some time to settle in and get things right. With meetings on online platforms, you would, although need time to settle in, you will save time that would otherwise be wasted in other factors in the case of physical meetings. Hence, with online meetings, there is a sure-shot guarantee of more productivity.
- Make Global Connections
With remote meetings, one gets to get in touch with people from across the globe. Be it a general conference or a regular meeting, people attending meetings get the opportunity to interact with global talent and professionals. We all know how efficient online meetings and tools are; one can use communication tools to interact with each other. When it comes to regular team meetings, we all know how global hiring has increased in the past few years. Hence, with online conference platforms, your employees will be able to interact with their global team members.
In Conclusion
There is no doubt in the fact that remote work is more efficient than physical work format due to many reasons. It helps all the parties involved to save money and time and boost productivity. Not only this, remote meetings help people connect with each other beyond their geographical location and other factors. So, if you wish to conduct your meetings remotely, you should go with an efficient and suitable virtual conference platform that goes well with your goals and objectives. Also, there are a plethora of platforms to choose from; all you need is a keen eye that will help you select a platform fit for your requirements.