In the post-pandemic era, meetings have changed, and the hybrid model is more important than ever. And while technology is doing a stellar job of keeping us connected, not everyone is having the same experience. That’s where meeting equity comes in. This is the idea that everyone in a meeting, whether they’re in the office or dialing in remotely, should have an equal opportunity to contribute, connect and be heard.
Getting this right isn’t just about fairness. It’s about creating a work environment where people can perform at their best, wherever they are. And the tech you choose plays a huge role in making that happen.
What Is Meeting Equity, Really?
Think of a typical meeting in 2019. A handful of people gathered around a boardroom table, maybe a remote participant or two on speakerphone, with sketchy audio and a blurry camera feed. Fast forward to today, and that setup doesn’t cut it anymore. Employees expect more.
Meeting equity means every participant gets the same quality of experience, whether they’re sitting in a conference room, at a kitchen table or on a train. That includes clear audio, visible facial cues, reliable screen sharing and tools that encourage everyone to speak up and take part.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Remote and hybrid work aren’t going anywhere. As teams spread out, the risk of uneven meeting experiences grows. If some people are always “in the room” while others are reduced to disembodied voices, that impacts collaboration, engagement and ultimately productivity.
More importantly, it affects how included people feel. And when people don’t feel seen or heard, they’re less likely to contribute. Over time, that can hurt morale and lead to missed insights, lost innovation and a less cohesive team culture.
Technology Isn’t the Whole Story - But It’s a Big Part
There’s no single fix for meeting equity. Company culture, leadership style and meeting etiquette all play a role. The tech you choose can either be a key enabler, or a blocker.
For example, high-quality video bars with auto-framing help remote attendees feel part of the room. Directional microphones capture everyone’s voice clearly, not just whoever’s closest to the table. Touchscreen displays and digital whiteboards let people contribute visually, not just verbally. And intelligent meeting platforms with features like real-time captions and chat make it easier for people to engage in the way that suits them best.
If your setup favours people in one location over another, it’s time to re-think it.
Designing with the User in Mind
Meeting equity starts with empathy. Who are your users and how do they meet? Are they collaborating across time zones? Jumping into calls from hot desks, home offices or factory floors? The goal isn’t to throw the latest gadgets at the problem, it’s to understand workflows and design solutions around real people and real environments.
This is where a consultative approach pays off. A trusted AV partner can help you map your user needs and recommend tech that fits not just in terms of performance, but in practicality and budget too.
Future-Proofing for Flexible Work
It’s tempting to treat AV investment as a one-and-done decision. But in today’s world, the landscape is shifting constantly. Teams grow, spaces evolve and expectations change. That’s why future-proofing matters.
Flexible, modular solutions that can scale or adapt over time help keep your meeting spaces equitable, even as your organisation evolves. Ongoing support, training and maintenance ensure your investment keeps working for you - not against you.
Meeting equity isn’t just a feel-good concept. It’s a business-critical goal that influences how people collaborate, innovate and thrive. The right technology doesn’t just bridge distance - it bridges experience. And when everyone has an equal seat at the virtual table, the results speak for themselves.
Looking to upgrade your meeting spaces with equity in mind?
Chat with one of our AVIT specialists to explore tech that puts people first, wherever they’re working from.