Remote business connection

Ever thought about the business connectedness of your hybrid work environment?

In a world where technology plays an essential role in our daily lives, it is no surprise that hybrid meetings are increasingly becoming the norm. More than 80% of meetings are now hybrid. Microsoft Teams in particular has proven to be a powerful platform for virtual collaboration. However, despite the many benefits of hybrid meetings, research shows that a significant number of participants do not feel equal. In fact, as many as 8 in 12 people do not feel fully connected during hybrid meetings. In this blog, we will discuss how to ensure that remote people feel as connected as those physically seated together.

The changing landscape of hybrid meetings

In the past, work was mainly done in the office and it was optional to turn on your camera during an online meeting. Setting up an online meeting often required complex procedures and training, limiting participant engagement. However, with the advent of advanced technologies, online meetings have changed radically. Nowadays, we work anywhere and it is normal to turn on your camera. Platforms like Microsoft Teams offer specially designed solutions that are easy to use and allow everyone to personalise their own accessories. AVEX is happy to think with you to make hybrid working run optimally.

Meeting equity

Of course, all these hybrid changes that are happening at a rapid pace also bring some negative consequences. The term ‘meeting equity’ is therefore coming up more and more often. This means that everyone has an equal opportunity to communicate, contribute and share ideas during a hybrid meeting, regardless of their location. And this can be challenging, especially in meetings with people from different backgrounds, skills and experiences. As a result, research shows that a vast majority do not feel fully engaged in hybrid meetings.

The three crucial user experiences

By improving these three crucial user experiences, Microsoft can help make hybrid meetings more inclusive. This will lead to more productive meetings.

See & be seen:

An essential aspect of inclusive meetings is ensuring that everyone can be seen and has the opportunity to see others. This can be achieved by ensuring that all participants are visible on the screen. Encourage participants to turn on their cameras and ensure that all attendees are clearly visible during the meeting. Creating a virtual meeting environment where everyone is equally represented contributes to a sense of belonging.

Hear & be heard:

It is also important that all participants are able to be heard and participate in the discussion, regardless of their location. Ensure that the audio quality of the meeting is optimal so that voices are conveyed clearly. Encourage active participation by giving everyone equal speaking time and ensuring everyone has a chance to share their ideas and opinions. Providing an inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to participate enhances the sense of belonging.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is a prominent part of meetings, both physically and online. To ensure that remote people feel as engaged as those who are physically present, it is important to provide collaboration features that are suitable for both online and offline participants. Use features such as screen sharing, collaborative document editing and virtual whiteboards to encourage interaction and collaboration. Emphasising equal collaboration opportunities for all participants increases the sense of connectedness and inclusiveness.

Conclusion

Precisely because hybrid meetings have become an enduring topic, it is important to actively work on creating a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their physical location. By observing the three crucial user experiences – See & be seen, Hear & be heard, and Enable collaboration – we can increase the inclusivity of hybrid Microsoft Teams meetings. Let’s aim for meetings where everyone feels heard, seen and engaged, regardless of whether they are remotely or physically present.