Hello! I have been using Zoom frequently recently and I have observed that the waiting time before starting a Zoom call can vary greatly. Some people begin right away when everyone joins, while others prefer to wait until everyone is present. This has made me contemplate on the appropriate duration of time to wait on a Zoom call.
First things first, I think it’s important to acknowledge that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this. Different people have different preferences and expectations, and it can also depend on the purpose of the call. That being said, I’ve found that there are a few factors to consider when deciding how long to wait.
1. Punctuality
One of the biggest factors is how punctual everyone is. If you’re dealing with a group of people who are consistently late to meetings, it might be worth giving them a few extra minutes to join before starting. On the other hand, if you know that everyone on the call is generally on time, there’s no harm in starting right away.
2. Agenda and Purpose
Another thing to consider is the agenda and purpose of the call. If it’s a quick check-in or a casual conversation, waiting a bit for everyone to join might not be a big deal. However, if you have a packed agenda and a lot to cover, it might be best to start on time and catch latecomers up as you go.
3. Respect and Consideration
Respecting everyone’s time is important, but it’s also important to be considerate of others’ circumstances. As we all know, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things come up at the last minute. If someone is running a few minutes late but you know they’re usually punctual, it’s worth giving them a little extra time before starting.
That being said, waiting too long for someone can also be disrespectful to those who made the effort to be on time. It’s a delicate balance.
4. Communication and Expectations
Lastly, setting clear expectations and communicating them to everyone on the call can help avoid confusion and frustration. If you generally prefer to start right on time, let everyone know in advance. On the other hand, if you’re okay with waiting a few minutes, communicate that as well. Open and honest communication can go a long way in ensuring everyone is on the same page.
In conclusion
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long to wait on a Zoom call. It will depend on various factors like punctuality, agenda, respect, and communication. It’s important to find a balance that works for everyone and to be understanding of different circumstances. At the end of the day, starting a few minutes late or waiting a few minutes for everyone to join is not the end of the world. After all, we’re all human, and a little flexibility can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships and productive meetings.