One advantage of so many workers opting not to return to the office in person full time might be the end of long, boring, “why-was-I-even-invited-to-this-meeting” meetings that so many of us have sat through.
However, meetings conducted over Zoom, Google Meet, or other platforms aren’t necessarily riveting either, and the odds of getting bored and tuning out only increase when you can just turn off your camera and do something else. Still, Zoom meetings aren’t going away any time soon, and as Zoom fatigue has probably long-since set in for you and your colleagues, it’s time to consider some new ways to spice up your company’s virtual meetings, if you haven’t already.
Career expert Lisa Rangel offers the following ideas:
Zoom athletes: “Zoom while walking or jogging with someone or a small group,” says Rangel. “Not only does it get you out in the fresh air more, but you can be more committed when you have someone to talk to while walking or jogging. You can more than likely stay on pace, meet personal goals, and make the time pass faster.”
Zoom meditations: “Zooming to meditate with someone actually keeps you more accountable to sitting still through the meditation. When I am by myself, I have a tendency to look down at the timer, look at my phone, etc. It’s too easy to get distracted. But when done with someone else or a group, you will find you’re more committed.”
Zoom as is: “When someone says to me, ‘Is the networking chat on Zoom or by phone?’ I know most of us are thinking, ‘Do I need to get dressed up for this?’ So, I often say, ‘Let’s Zoom, but no need to dress up, OK?’ Or let’s Zoom but video is optional. This ‘as-is’ feel in and of itself creates a more human vibe.”
Zoom bread breaking: “Pre-COVID rules for online meeting rules recommended that you didn’t eat during the meeting. But breaking bread with colleagues and personal friends is the one thing I miss most during pandemic life. So, I encourage people to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a cookie break together, when needed. Sharing a meal with people is important. We once had the option to eat in person with new and existing contacts, so let’s carry this concept over to Zoom meetings to get to know people in a less business-like setting.”
Zoom monthly tasting events: “Speaking of breaking bread, who doesn’t love tasting events? The good news is that you can still have your favorite beverage or food tastings even during the pandemic. Wine, coffee, tea, hot sauce, bread, cheese, olives, chocolate, desserts, and all kinds of themed food/drink tastings are still fun to do in online groups. While it takes a bit more pre-planning on behalf of everyone participating, you will discover the added benefit of learning about new and exciting foods and drinks by having to shop for products to bring to the Zoom tasting versus how we used to do it by showing up to someone’s house.”
Zoom business book clubs: “One positive effect of the pandemic is having more family time and also more time for reading. Without the option of going out to dinners, shopping, etc., more people than ever are enjoying sitting back and reading a great book. Even better, you can host a Zoom business book club and discuss these books with all your friends and [business] associates. Add a little wine and you’ll have the perfect book club meeting.”
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