How to run a remote team meeting
The short answer
Share an agenda in advance and keep the meeting short. Start with a quick check-in, use a facilitator to bring everyone in, break the time into short sections, use chat and reactions, and rotate meeting times across time zones. Send decisions and actions in writing afterwards.
Step by step
- 1
Share the agenda first
Everyone knows the goal and topics before joining.
- 2
Check in
A quick round helps people settle in and speak early.
- 3
Facilitate actively
Call on people by name and watch the chat.
- 4
Keep sections short
Change speaker or format every 10 to 15 minutes.
- 5
Respect time zones
Rotate meeting times so the same people aren't always inconvenienced.
- 6
Follow up in writing
Decisions and actions go to everyone afterwards.
Common mistakes
- Long presentations with no interaction.
- Always meeting at a time that suits one region.
- No written follow-up.
Acta records Zoom, Google Meet and Teams meetings and sends everyone the summary and actions, whatever their time zone.
Try Acta free for 15 daysQuestions
Should cameras be on in remote meetings?
Agree as a team; cameras help in small discussions but shouldn't be mandatory for every call.
How long should remote meetings be?
Shorter than in-person ones: 25 or 50 minutes leaves time for breaks.