To get started, reach out: info@taigacompany.com
How To Make Your Meeting All Inclusive
Julie Starr • December 21, 2021
One of the hardest things for businesses to do is to
communicate with their employees
and their audience when people are working from home. Remote working has taken much of the personalization out of the office and in-person communication has changed. When it comes to meeting as a team, you want to make sure that it’s delivered in a way that engages your staff and makes sense for your business at the same time. There are plenty of options to ensure that you can all get online, with a range of platforms and choices to use.
Every single business has different needs to consider when they are making their meetings inclusive for all. You want to make a start with a webinar or a platform that allows everything from video and audio to screen sharing and collaboration. You want to make your meetings all-inclusive so that every single person you invite can have the chance to be involved in the conversation. Below, we’ve got some of the best practices that you can use to host a virtual meeting that includes all.
- Keep a list of ground rules in place for your meeting. Whether this is the first remote meeting you’ve ever had or you have half the team in the office and half at home, you need to maintain some ground rules so that all online are going to be able to be a part of the meeting. These include things like encouraging attendees to show their faces rather than hide behind a black screen, and keeping all audio muted unless presenting a question or answering one. Background noise is then not a distraction when people are talking. You should also make a point of recording the meeting so that you and your employees can go back and watch it.
- Break the ice. Some of your employees may have never spoken to one another when they’ve been working remotely. One of the best things that you can do is make sure that you break the ice between them all. You want to ensure that unfamiliar folks get familiar with each other, and that means playing games and mixing it up a little for the questions. There’s also the option to pass the mic to each other to hear new responses after someone speaks.
- Make sure that you offer a structure. Your meetings should be structured in a way that makes sense for all the attendees, with a plan emailed out to everyone in advance. This way, you can ensure everyone is aware of the expectations of them through the meeting. Using the ‘hands up’ feature on the video platform you’re using is going to help you to keep your meeting structured with an opportunity for all to speak.
- Stay on track. Whatever your meeting is about, make sure that you have a clear agenda and keep the conversation on the right track. You need it to be on time and staying the course is a good way to keep things moving smoothly.
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects. The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.