Online Board Meetings Benefits
As a non-profit, you are likely to have a small number of board members. A lot of these slots are difficult to fill because of the time commitment required for travelling and attending meetings in person. Virtual board meetings can eliminate travel and the necessity to sync calendars, making them more accessible to busy board members and can increase the likelihood of taking part.
Virtual meetings are also easier to plan and there’s less work to attend them. This could reduce the amount of work that has to be done in advance of each meeting, and the necessity to coordinate the meeting space. This will reduce your board’s overall workload which is beneficial to your company and its bottom line.
Online board meetings also have the benefit of connecting and engaging board members. The right technology platform will facilitate this engagement by using tools such as video conferencing, chats and presentations, and whiteboard collaboration. These tools can be used to create the same kind of experience as an in-person gathering while adhering to rules of participation and meeting etiquette.
To keep engagement high, it’s best to limit the duration of meetings, and to take breaks as necessary. It is also beneficial to offer training to board members who aren’t tech-savvy and to encourage the use of different meeting tools. This includes muting, polling and using the virtual “raise your hand” option. Members can also submit questions in the chatbox.