Over the last few years, virtual meetings have gone from being the exception to the norm in the modern workforce. A virtual meeting refers to meetings where participants use their mobile or internet-connected devices to connect virtually through digital platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meetings, and Slack.
It is worth pointing out that virtual meetings are not unique to professional settings. People use virtual meetings to connect with family and friends who may not live nearby. Virtual meetings have also become increasingly popular for healthcare needs like virtual therapy and doctor appointments.
Just as there are many uses for virtual meetings, there are also different types of virtual meetings. Each type of meeting has its own pros and cons that make them suited for specific meeting goals. For example, if your goal is to provide an educational lecture, a webinar might make the most sense. But if you’re brainstorming with your team at work, a video conference meeting is likely the most advantageous. Let’s take a closer look at each type of virtual meeting and what they’re best suited for.
Video conferencing
Video conferencing is one of the most popular virtual meeting types because it allows for face-to-face interactions. Facetime calls are a perfect example of what video conferencing looks like outside of the workplace and are a great way for friends and family to interact with other iPhone users.
In the office, video conferencing has quickly become one of the primary ways of working. Conference rooms around the world have replaced the conference phone with video conferencing solutions, like the Meeting Owl + Owl Bar. Hybrid work technology allows employees to stay connected with their colleagues around the world, without having to change where they are sitting or looking.
Webinars
Webinars are one-way virtual meetings where only one person is speaking, sharing their screen, or visible and all the other participants are attending as audience members. Webinars are ideal for scenarios where the presenter wants uninterrupted focus, like during a lecture, training, or sales presentation.
Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing is the original type of virtual meeting but is one of the least popular today. A teleconferencing meeting is audio-only, which still allows participants when not physically together but does not facilitate meaningful connection and collaboration through face-to-face interactions.
Why are virtual meetings so prevalent today and are they really better than meeting in-person? As with anything, there are definitely pros and cons to virtual meetings but we know that 62% of workers feel more productive when working remotely, telling us that most people feel the benefits outweigh the costs.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the primary benefit of virtual meetings. By allowing people to connect over the internet, they are no longer forced to get themselves to a specific place and time. This completely negates issues like traffic, travel costs, and commuting time. Virtual meetings allow people the opportunity to work from the comfort of their own homes and remain productive while getting to spend more time with their families.
Reduced costs
Costs associated with office space, gas spent commuting, and everything associated with the upkeep of an office are completely negated by virtual meetings and remote work. Workers are able to stay productive with a good computer and fast internet connection.
Include more people
Virtual meetings enable greater inclusion by removing the barrier of geography. Global teams can collaborate instantly at any time. Features like screen sharing, polls, and chat allow companies to effectively collaborate in real time, no matter where they may find themselves.
Virtual meetings have undoubtedly become a defining aspect of the modern workforce. Their value extends beyond professional settings, proving helpful for maintaining personal connections and even providing healthcare needs. They foster greater inclusion, bridging geographic gaps and facilitating real-time collaboration among global teams. Virtual meetings will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we work and interact for the foreseeable future.
