Meeting participation and camera usage have dropped in virtual meetings, which could signify an increase in employee disengagement and, ultimately, lead to attrition. Company leaders will need to rethink their approach to hybrid and remote meetings to keep their employees, and technology will likely play a key role in creating better meeting experiences. 

The way we work has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. The rise of remote and hybrid work models has transformed our offices into a blend of physical and virtual spaces. While many have embraced this newfound flexibility, it's also brought about subtle yet significant changes in how we collaborate and communicate, particularly in meetings. A recent study by Vyopta, which makes software for monitoring and optimizing meetings and digital collaboration, sheds light on these evolving dynamics and the potential impact on employee engagement and retention.

For the study, Vyopta analyzed over 40 million meetings involving more than 450,000 employees, focusing exclusively on remote or hybrid meetings conducted through online platforms including Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex or Zoom. The research revealed some startling facts. While many organizations have implemented return-to-office policies after the Covid pandemic, the volume of virtual meetings has remained steady even as in-person meetings have more than doubled. In other words, virtual meetings have become an integral part of our work culture, regardless of where people are physically located.

What We Have Here Is A Failure To Participate

However, the study also highlighted a concerning trend: the rise of no-participation rates in small-group meetings. This refers to instances where participants remain on mute for the entire meeting, essentially becoming passive observers. This is like “quiet quitting,” but for meeting participation.

In 2023, the rate of “quiet meetings” – where at least one participant is on mute for the duration of the meeting – reached 7.2%. This is a significant increase from 4.8% in 2022. According to McKinsey research, employee disengagement and attrition could cost a median-size S&P 500 company between $228 million and $355 million a year. The disengagement portion of that total varies by the size of the organization, but across the board amounts to 56% of the loss. That means lost productivity is costing many companies of this size $80 million or more per year as employees essentially disengage from crucial discussions.

Another notable shift is the decreasing frequency of camera usage in virtual meetings, which makes sense to me. There are many reasons to have the camera off when working remotely, including attending a super early meeting (read: not yet showered) with coworkers on a different time zone, having kids home from school or working in a location with a distracting background. But common sense also tells us that if someone truly isn't participating in a call, it's likely because they are doing something else. This could mean they are not a critical participant in the conversation or are attending as more of an observer. However, whether merely being a “fly on the wall” or not contributing for other reasons, not actively participating could indicate disengagement.

The increasing camera-off trend is the first Vyopta has observed since the early days of the pandemic. In 2023, the camera enablement rate dropped to 25.6%, down from 30.2% in 2022. While some may view this as a minor and natural shift, the study suggests that camera usage and participation rates strongly correlate with employee retention.

Is Digital Debt Contributing to Quiet Meetings?

The constant barrage of data, emails, meetings and notifications has created a phenomenon known as “digital debt” – similar to the “technical debt” that software developers know all too well. This overwhelming influx of information surpasses our capacity to process it effectively, leading to decreased productivity and innovation. A recent Microsoft study showed that 64% of employees struggle with having the time and energy to do their job, and these individuals are 3.5 times more likely to also struggle with innovation and strategic thinking. Furthermore, 60% of leaders express concern about the lack of breakthrough ideas within their teams, highlighting the tangible impact of digital debt on business success.

Quiet meetings don't necessarily lead to quiet quitting – they might lead to actual quitting. Employees who showed significantly lower camera enablement rates (with cameras on as little as 18% of the time) left their organizations within a year at a much higher rate than those whose cameras were on at least 32.5% of the time. This may indicate that active engagement in meetings, both verbally and visually, plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection and belonging among employees, ultimately impacting their decision to stay with a company.

In a Harvard Business Review article, two Vyopta executives noted that these associations don't necessarily prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship – and shouldn't be applied indiscriminately to individual cases. However, the observed trends are significant enough to warrant further investigation at an organizational level.

Culture Backed By Technology Drives Employee Engagement

All of these findings underscore the need for organizations to rethink their approach to meetings in the hybrid work era. Leaders need to prioritize creating engaging and inclusive experiences that encourage active participation from all attendees, regardless of their location. From speaking to leaders across many organizations, I can tell you that the technology used to conduct meetings is a huge driver in creating those experiences.

Beyond the technology, a thriving hybrid work environment is fundamentally rooted in a culture of trust. Employees want to feel empowered to work when and where it's most productive for them, without the constant pressure to be on camera. However, Vyopta's study shows that on-camera time benefits both workers and companies. Features such as noise cancellation and blurred backgrounds create a professional atmosphere even in less-than-ideal home environments. Additionally, touch-up features or even avatars can help alleviate self-consciousness, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident participating fully in virtual meetings.

I’ve written about a wide range of hardware and software that can make meetings more enjoyable for participants in and out of the office. For example, I swear by my HP Poly Voyager Free 60 + UC earbuds to knock out ambient noise so I can take a call even when I’m in the bleachers at a baseball game (two of my sons are serious players) or in an airport. And Cisco has formed partnerships with auto makers such as Mercedes Benz, Audi and Ford to deliver in-car Webex functionality.

Regardless of the specific vendors chosen, it’s the synergy of trust and technology that creates a hybrid work environment that can maintain the benefits of flexible work. Companies should take thoughtful, concerted measures to foster productivity and well-being while ensuring that meetings remain productive, collaborative and fulfilling for all participants. The future of work is hybrid, and there is a tremendous opportunity to shape it in a way that empowers employees and drives organizational success.

This article was written by Melody Brue from Forbes and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.