As remote and hybrid working become part of everyday life, knowing how to boost virtual meeting engagement has never been more important. Webinars, video calls, chats, and video conferences are some of the different forms of virtual meetings. Virtual meetings, as opposed to in-person meetings, can leave team members feeling disconnected without the benefit of face-to-face interaction. A Robert Walters survey found that 73% of UK professionals feel virtual meetings regularly interrupt their working day, and over half say these interruptions happen often, highlighting how easy it is for focus to drift.
The good news is that engaging in virtual meetings is possible with the right structure, tools, and mindset. Research shows that neurophysiological fatigue from video calls is real, but targeted strategies can reduce “Zoom fatigue” and keep participants energised.
Here are some proven ways to boost virtual meeting engagement and make online collaboration more productive.
Plan the Agenda Early and Keep Engagement Central
Circulate a clear agenda well before the meeting so everyone can prepare. Studies show that technical glitches are one of the biggest drains on remote productivity; 75% of employees say they’ve lost time to them, so early planning helps avoid wasted minutes.
Assign certain agenda points to different participants to encourage involvement. Make use of your platform’s Q&A or chat tools to keep contributions flowing and try to keep meetings at consistent times so that those in different time zones can join easily.
Break the Ice from the Start
Without physical proximity, relationships can stagnate. An icebreaker at the start of the meeting helps people relax, share, and connect. This could be a light-hearted question, a quick photo share, or a short game. It sets a friendly tone and can increase willingness to contribute later.
Use Live Polls to Spark Interaction
Live polls get people clicking, thinking, and reacting in real time. They can:
- Collect feedback about the meeting
- Test understanding of a topic
- Help participants get to know each other
- Make quick, collective decisions
Poll results appear instantly, which can boost curiosity and engagement. Keep them short, accessible, and relevant to the discussion.
Add Games to Lighten the Atmosphere
Gamification brings energy to virtual meetings. Short quizzes, word associations, riddles, or mini challenges can break up long sessions and improve active listening. Even light competition helps create shared moments and strengthens team bonds.
Reduce Distractions Before They Take Hold
Remote work makes it easy to multitask, but multitasking kills meeting focus. Agree on simple ground rules, such as keeping cameras on, putting phones aside, and closing unrelated tabs. Start and finish on time, and if a topic is running long, decide quickly whether to address it later. Shorter, sharper meetings are usually more engaging.
Consider “Body Doubling” for Focus
A growing trend in virtual collaboration is “body doubling,” where people work silently on a video call for accountability and company. Early studies suggest it can reduce procrastination and combat loneliness. One participant described it as “the perfect middle ground… I still work from home but feel less isolated.” This approach can complement regular team meetings.
Apply Neuroscience-Based Techniques
MIT Sloan research has shown that video meetings are more cognitively demanding than in-person ones. Incorporating regular breaks, using varied formats, and avoiding long stretches of passive listening, incorporating energy and sustaining engagement.
Combine Structure with Creativity
To boost virtual meeting engagement, combine structure with creativity. Plan agendas with participation in mind, use polls and games for the best level of interaction, apply neuroscience-based tactics to fight fatigue, and offer innovative approaches such as body doubling. If you want to raise the standard further, consider working with a provider that helps organisations deliver the best company virtual events to make meetings both productive and enjoyable.
Virtual team meetings are one of the best ways to maintain interaction and collaboration with your team members. To make your meetings more engaging, keep the above tactics in mind. You can also make it more exciting by planning and working with partnering session facilitators who can help you host the best virtual team meetings that everyone will enjoy.
With a thoughtful approach, virtual meetings can do more than share updates; they can inspire, connect, and energise your team
