5 Creative Strategies to Ensure Punctuality and Structure in Meetings in 2023
The punctuality of meeting attendees plays a significant role in determining the productivity of the session. An unplanned delay can shift the momentum, often leading to rushed decisions or even spillovers. While complete punctuality may remain an ideal, implementing these creative strategies can help mitigate the disruptions of tardy arrivals.

Outline:
1. The Visual Agenda Display
Have a real-time visual agenda displayed, perhaps using a tool like Verbally. This helps late attendees quickly discern where the meeting is at and what they've missed, allowing for a smoother entry without much disruption.
2. Latecomer’s Briefing Zone
Set up a designated 'Briefing Zone' just outside the meeting room. Equip it with summaries or key points of discussions thus far. This way, late attendees can briefly acquaint themselves before entering the main room, minimizing interruptions.
3. Digital Check-ins with QR Codes
Provide QR codes at the entrance that attendees can scan to receive a digital update of the meeting's progress. Latecomers can quickly get a sense of the ongoing discussions, ensuring they integrate seamlessly.
4. Cultivate a Punctuality Culture
Introduce light-hearted incentives for those consistently on time, like 'The Punctual Pro' of the month. This positive reinforcement can promote a culture of timely arrivals and fewer delays.
5. Interactive Starters
Commence meetings with a quick, engaging activity. It ensures that main discussions aren't interrupted by late entrants and offers a preparatory buffer for the primary topics. Maintaining the sanctity of time during meetings ensures that every participant's time is valued and respected.
By deploying these strategies and leveraging tools to enhance meeting communication, you can uphold the structure and productivity of every session, irrespective of unexpected delays.