In "Remote Meetings Could Improve Diversity and Inclusion" (Directors & Boards), multi-boarded director Harry Kraemer makes a strong case for a permanent (post-COVID) reduction to the number of in-person board meetings in favor of predominantly virtual meetings to - among other things - accommodate diverse directors who otherwise may be unable to consider board service (or service on multiple boards) in view of other professional and family responsibilities.
In addition to reduced travel time and expense, Kramer - who is a firm virtual board meeting supporter - recounts other advantages to virtual meetings noted by directors (as reported by the Harvard Business Review), such as increased meeting attendance, improved governance and collaboration through shorter and more focused agendas, more inclusive discussions, greater candor, and broader exposure to key executives and third-party experts, which we reported on here (see "Directors Keen on Virtual Board Meetings"). According to Kraemer, some companies are considering a reduction of in-person meetings from six to two per year, which the balance to be conducted remotely.
See our recent report: "Upcoming Board Meetings: Virtual, Hybrid or In-Person?" This post first appeared in the weekly Society Alert!