Training & Talk

How to make hybrid meetings work

Content Hybrid Meetings Training & Talk

A recent survey indicates that 90% of companies have adopted a mix of remote and on-site work. This shift has significantly changed meeting dynamics, making a hybrid mix of in-person and remote participants an integral part of our “new normal.”

Ensuring that remote participants are not at a disadvantage compared to those in the room is crucial. In our training, we will share 10 concrete best practices for conducting successful hybrid meetings.

Hybrid meetings are inherently more complex than purely in-person or virtual ones. They can be challenging to execute well, but with the right strategies, they can be highly effective. Just as professionals and leaders mastered virtual meetings during the pandemic, they must now develop skills for successful hybrid meetings. We are here to help!

Drawing from our extensive experience in designing and moderating hundreds of workshops and meetings for leadership teams and boards, we have compiled ten best practices to enhance the effectiveness of your hybrid meetings.

Top 10 Best Practices for Hybrid Meetings

1. Clear Agenda and Actionable Goals: Have a clear agenda and purpose for each meeting item, create actionable goals, and communicate them in advance so that all participants have the same intention for the hybrid meeting. Ensure a clear structure is followed to maintain focus and productivity.
2. Virtual Sign-In for All: Have everyone sign in virtually, even those physically present, to level the playing field and ensure equal participation.
3. Inclusive Participation: Ensure remote participants feel included by giving them the opportunity to speak first. Use brainwriting before brainstorming sessions to ensure all ideas are heard and considered.
4. Engagement Etiquette: Establish clear etiquette for engagement, such as keeping cameras on and raising hands for questions, to foster active participation. Use the 6 Hats method to structure discussions and encourage diverse perspectives.
5. Common Workspace: Use a common virtual workspace, like Mural or Miro, to facilitate collaboration and ensure everyone can contribute.
6. Virtual-Friendly Presentations: Design presentations with a virtual audience in mind, applying Gestalt principles for easily comprehensible slides.
7. Small Teams and Breakout Sessions: Leverage the power of small teams by incorporating breakout sessions for more focused discussions and problem-solving. Schedule these sessions to manage the scope of any discussion effectively.
8. Voting Techniques: Use team ranking as a voting technique to allow participants to express preferences and make decisions collectively.
9. Social Exchange Time: Schedule time for social exchange, such as offering breakout rooms for informal interactions and networking.
10. Feedback Techniques: Utilize the sailboat technique to efficiently generate feedback and make it engaging and fun for participants. Always manage the scope of feedback sessions to ensure they remain productive and focused.

Get in touch

Improving the efficiency of hybrid meetings is crucial for productivity and employee satisfaction. Utilizing hybrid meeting best practices can help organizations enhance engagement, retention, and meeting quality by addressing issues like high no-participation rates and declining camera use.

We look forward to receiving your inquiry and promise a prompt response within 24 hours. You can request our hybrid meetings training in flexible formats, and we will be glad to offer you different options for your needs: