A corporate organization must schedule conferences or assemblies for planning, announcements, and bonding. Due to the advancement of technology, there are two primary choices regarding meeting format: physical or online. Each format has its unique features, benefits, and pitfalls. Please keep reading to learn more about each of them and which one to choose for your next meeting.
Advantages of Both Meeting Formats
Online meetings allow team members to schedule their discussions at convenient times. This means an appointment can be scheduled after considering all team members’ suggestions. Similarly, there’s no geographical restriction or barrier when it comes to virtual meetings. Team members can come together from distant and different parts of the world through online meetings. Lastly, this meeting format is cost-effective and spares team members of various expenses associated with physical meetings.
Physical meetings, on the other hand, ensure adequate interpersonal interaction through face-to-face discussions, handshaking, and interpretation of body language. This interaction leads to the building of rapport and trust between team members, which forms the foundation for effective collaboration.
Differences Between the Two Meeting Modes
These are the significant differences between the modes.
Dynamism
There’s a lot of dynamism in in-person gatherings compared to the online version. This flexibility makes the gathering dynamic and interactive, which further helps to pass messages across. Not everything can be said, but with some cues, communication becomes more effective and interactive. Even with video conferencing, it is not always easy to read and understand body language during online meetings.
Cost differences
Typically, physical meetings attract various expenses. These expenses range from transportation to the meeting place, venue, and logistic costs. In some instances, you’d also get funds for accommodation and meals. All these can be waived if you choose to do online meetings ahead of your corporate retreats. The only expenses you will incur for online gatherings are internet data and probably equipment expenses.
Environmental impact
The carbon and harmful gas emission associated with moving from one place to another for a physical gathering makes it non-environmental friendly. Virtual meetings excel in this regard. This critical difference between the two meeting modes is significant as the cumulative effect of excessive harmful gas release can be detrimental to the planet in the long run. With online meetings, there is little environmental impact since staff don’t need to drive to the venue and back home just to attend.
Immersive experience
There’s more immersion and engagement in physical meetings due to the fact that there’s more interaction. People can react in real-time to emotions, cues, and discussions without hassle. All these are deficient in online meetings where people can do several things during the discussion.
Final Words
Several considerations determine the choice of a meeting format. The first is to specify the meeting’s purpose and goals. Consider the deliverables associated with the meeting before choosing a specific format. The location of the attendees is also pertinent if you’re in the position to choose. Similarly, the availability and schedule of the participants count a lot. Lastly, the budgetary requirements of each meeting format should be considered before coming to a conclusion.
