Pre-COVID, meetings would end five or 10 minutes earlier than scheduled so you had time to walk to your next location. With online meetings, we’re missing that break time as meetings tend to run the full hour. It’s hard to wrap up your notes from the last meeting, clear your head and prepare for the next meeting when you only have a few minutes.

As meeting hosts, you control the length your meetings run. At the top of the hour, let people know what time you’re going to have a hard stop. As participants, you too can let the host know that you’re not able to do the full hour.

Here are some tips/suggestions:

  • Schedule your meeting’s hard stop at 50 minutes (25-mark for 30-minute meetings).
  • Ensure you add the items you want to cover in the meeting’s details — like an informal agenda. In meetings longer than one hour, schedule a break time.
  • Encourage participants to get up, stretch or walk around. This is easier if you have a set of wireless headphones.
  • Schedule your lunch break in Outlook and be sure to take it.
  • Book time in your calendar for your work (e.g., admin, email, project, etc.).

Setting up a proper work space while working from home is extremely important. For ergonomic help and suggestions, visit the Office of Health, Safety & Environment.

And remember, MacEwan employees have access to confidential support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). You can find more information in the portal.

Trevor Beck is MacEwan’s technology trainer. Keep up to date on training and tips for MS Teams, Office 365, Google, Webex and more. To join, visit https://bit.ly/2JQCof7.

From the Office of Health, Safety & Environment