The way we do business has shifted as hybrid meetings, defined as when a subset of attendees are in the same physical location while other participants join remotely, have revolutionized the modern workforce.
The past few years have seen a dramatic shift in the workplace, with hybrid teams becoming increasingly commonplace. This trend towards remote work has driven an evolution of meetings, as technology now means we can seamlessly connect those at home and in-person – allowing us to break free from boardrooms and find meeting solutions that fit any situation.
Why are hybrid meetings good?
The modern workforce has been revolutionized by virtual platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. These powerful tools enable hiring managers to bridge distances across the world, facilitating collaboration between themselves and current (and potential!) employees in entirely new ways.
Hybrid meetings are a win-win: they offer greater opportunity for candidate engagement and the added potential of better long-term retention. These types of meetings offer a unique advantage to hiring managers by:
- Saving time and costs associated with physically meeting
- Offering flexibility to meet the needs of your workforce
- Faster time-to-hire due to reduced logistics
According to an Indeed Report that spoke to the hiring process, “virtual interviews bring added convenience and comfort: 45% like being able to interview from anywhere, and 37% feel less intimidated interviewing remotely.” Leveraging this strategy can have powerful effects on job satisfaction, commitment, and productivity across organizations.
What are the biggest challenges experienced in hybrid meetings?
Despite the growing trend of hybrid meetings, hurdles remain to be cleared. As Harvard Business Review reports, these issues include the following.
- Managing the increased complexity, cost, and risk associated with integrating these different platforms, tools, and technology.
- Creating engaging, inclusive, and memorable experiences that are equally rewarding for all parties involved.
- Giving attendees unique experiences specific to their roles and interests before, during, and after a meeting or event.
Implementing a single platform, using cutting-edge innovations, and building engaging communities with attendees are a few ways to address these concerns.
Maximizing Employee Engagement and Retention
Employee Engagement is when employees are psychologically fully engaged and feel a sense of purpose, being, and connection to the organization. In order to maximize employee engagement and retention, hiring managers should consider incorporating hybrid meetings.
A few ways hybrid meetings bring value to your employee engagement strategy include:
Treating all meeting participants equally. To ensure equity in today’s hybrid workplace, remote employees should be able to participate on the same level as those physically present. By providing equal access and experience for virtual participants, companies can promote an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration between all team members.
Collaboration is key. To foster a connected and engaged workforce, creating collaboration opportunities for both in-house and remote employees is key. By facilitating meaningful interactions among staff regardless of location or distance, employers can promote an innovative culture that encourages productivity and creativity across the board.
Watch for signs of Digital Burnout. Digital burnout is a real risk, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Employers can help keep their team members’ energy up by proactively recognizing and addressing fatigue before it becomes harmful for their employees’ wellbeing. A few ways you can do so are adding health checks to meetings, creating a safe and trusting work environment, and establishing how to ask for help when an employee needs it.
Now that we know more about how Hybrid Meetings can help with employee engagement and retention, what innovations are giving hybrid meetings a modern edge?
Meet The Hive – Microsoft’s Hybrid Meeting Laboratory
At Microsoft’s cutting-edge Redmond headquarters lies The Hive – a unique laboratory dedicated to crafting the ultimate meeting experience. It combines physical and digital elements to create an immersive, inclusive space for both remote and onsite attendees alike. Get an inside look at how they are reimagining today’s tech with their innovative solutions by diving deeper into this secret facility.
At The Hive, everyday office items are given a rapid-fire makeover with inventive materials like cardboard and styrofoam to give new life as platforms for creative solutions. This inspired physical space is then combined with the latest Microsoft technology including Teams, Rooms, and Azure—all to stay ahead of quickly changing work trends. Hiring managers can revolutionize their collaboration processes with Hive’s cutting-edge solutions, creating an environment that appeals to any job seeker and leaves a lasting impression.
Digital Inclusion Through the Metaverse
It’s the dawn of a new era in workplace technology with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) taking hold. The Metaverse is at the forefront, driving forward innovation that promises to revolutionize how we work. According to Metas Future Of Work 2023, “Gaining the ability to carry out work across a variety of screens and dimensions, sharing digital work environments, and easy access to peers, knowledge, and opportunities are some of the benefits that will define the next generation of employees.” Meta Horizon Workrooms is one of the latest examples of virtual immersion in the metaverse.
Some ways companies are getting started with this transition are:
- Rethinking the traditional 5-day, 9-5 work week includes unique work styles such as night owl employees.
- Expanding the scope of communication technology past video calling to include a variety of digital tools.
- Being open to new ways technology can broaden the possibilities of a truly inclusive digital experience.
Hiring managers can also get a jump start on the future of recruitment by preparing for virtual recruiting in the metaverse! It’s essential to explore new technologies and create strategies that will enable hiring teams to leverage digital tools, platforms, and scenarios. This could revolutionize how businesses interact with potential candidates – bringing an entirely new dimension into play when it comes time for making decisions about who gets hired.
Hybrid Permanence in The Modern Workplace
A recent survey on hybrid meetings revealed that 84% of employees report they have at least one meeting a week that includes remote participants. The modern workplace has officially evolved, introducing Hybrid Permanence to the world. Businesses across industries are crafting a new way of life by blending physical and virtual presences – paving the path forward for sustainable success in an ever-changing landscape.
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As a hiring manager, having an intimate knowledge of hybrid meetings is essential for success in today’s job market. Being able to effectively mix physical and digital environments can help you connect and foster stronger connections with employees scattered across the globe.
