Virtual meetings have skyrocketed since 2020, thanks to the COVID-19 global pandemic. To prove this, one only needs to look at the popular virtual meeting app known as Zoom. The company went from 10 million daily users at the end of 2019 to an outstanding 300 million daily users once COVID restrictions were in place in April 2020. While many online video meeting apps benefited from the pandemic, some employees didn’t.
With a slow return to a state of normalcy since the pandemic, companies are planning their next meeting with employees and clients. While in-person meetings are happening, virtual meetings are still key for both employees, clients, and companies. However, there are some challenges to navigate in the world of virtual meetings.
One problem some companies might have is with clients or employees giving their full attention during virtual meetings. One way to ensure they give their full attention is by making the participants keep their camera on. However, that can be a challenge. A news story from CNN in 2021 notes the challenges some people have with being on camera.
For people who have an issue with being on camera, it can lead to some doubt of those people actually paying attention during the meeting. However, directing questions to these people can give a peace of mind that they are listening, even if they aren’t on camera.
Another issue with doing virtual meetings can come from the reliability of the internet. With 4.95 billion people using the internet in 2022, there’s plenty of internet traffic that can bog down virtual meetings. The excessive use of the internet gives pause to virtual meetings, as internet issues can easily derail the meeting. However, there are ways to prevent these issues.
The first comes from making sure all members of the meeting have a reliable internet source. Video meetings take up nearly 1 GB of data per hour, meaning all users need top-end internet speeds to ensure a smooth meeting experience. Many providers have upwards of 1 GB speeds, more than enough for virtual meetings.
However, all users would need top-end internet service, not just from the company side. Asking for internet speeds can help evaluate if a virtual meeting is the best option. While internet speeds of 300 MB can handle a virtual meeting, the higher speeds ensure a better quality of virtual meetings.
The last potential issue with virtual meetings comes from one thing: fatigue. With virtual meetings requiring users to stare at a computer screen, fatigue can set in quickly. However, there is a way to combat the potential fatigue issues which may arise with some users.
With users having issues with screen time, you can allow for mini-breaks with employees and clients to help keep them focused and not fatigued over virtual meetings. Another option comes from having glasses that block blue lighting from screens. With the known harm coming from screen time and blue light (CNET 2018), it’s best to have blue light blocking glasses. They can easily help users from having the fatigue associated with virtual meetings.
While virtual meetings open new avenues, they also provide new challenges. However, the answers to these challenges are now in your hands.
Wes Berry is available for speaking engagements and as a workshop facilitator. He is also a consultant with select organizations. As a professional speaker, he has the skills to make your event a success. He is also the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of “Big Things Have Small Beginnings: The Motivation and Mindset That Built a $750 million Business.” In all, he has written twelve books in the business and success genres. And as an entrepreneur, he built an international company that operated in 130 countries. He’s even done a little standup comedy as well as radio.
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