Equal Participation

Whether your organization has a hybrid workforce to allow employee flexibility or the staff are part of a global network, gatherings of on-site and remote individuals are ubiquitous. In "Strategies for Managing Hybrid Meetings," Sherri Sutton and Robert Kienzle provide tips to ensure both groups can participate equally and benefit from the proceedings.

The authors begin with determining the event budget. Assess finances to identify the platform and tools you will use. Use the remaining budget to allocate other expenses such as food, promotional materials, and travel.

Consider the meeting's length and purpose as well as the level of interaction you will require from attendees. Factor in time zones and cultural differences. Then, align platform and tool features with the objectives. For example, would polling, whiteboards, or breakout rooms be helpful to interactions and garnering participant opinions? Collaboration tools may lead to robust conversations.

Hold a technical rehearsal before the hybrid meeting. Best practice is to have two facilitators, one to monitor online participant interactions (known as the meeting mechanic), and one to facilitate on-site. The two should draft procedures for both in-person and online scenarios, including technical glitches and communication styles to ensure the meeting flow is seamless.

These tips were adapted from the April 2025 issue of TD at Work Learn more at td.org/TDatWork.