Online Assemblies in Condominiums: Advantages and Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to our daily lives. Like many other aspects of our routines, condominium assemblies had to shift to a virtual format, utilizing online applications like Zoom for video calls, since in-person meetings were not possible.
In this article, we will explore some advantages of online assemblies as well as potential challenges they may have encountered.
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Advantages of the Online Assembly
The pandemic led to lasting changes in how condominium owners conduct their meetings, with some meetings remaining virtual today, even after the return of in-person gatherings. Below are some benefits of online assemblies:
- Security and comfort: Virtual assemblies offer greater comfort for condominium owners, allowing them to participate from anywhere without needing to travel to a specific location.
- Greater functionality: Virtual assemblies simplify the organization of meetings and reduce costs associated with renting physical space and acquiring resources like chairs and printed documents.
- Less work for the administrator: Virtual assemblies lighten the burden on administrators, who already have numerous responsibilities in managing condominiums, by saving them time on travel and various other tasks.
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Do Condominium Administrators Also Benefit?
Absolutely. With virtual assemblies, administrators can listen, propose, and respond to various topics raised by condominium owners more objectively. They also gain greater control over discussions during the assembly, aiming to improve coexistence among owners and resolve conflicts and interests.
Additionally, virtual assemblies can help maintain focus on specific themes. In-person meetings can often go off-topic due to spontaneous discussions and interruptions, which delay important decision-making. Virtual meetings can significantly reduce these aimless discussions because of the structured format that online applications have built-in to their software.
Moreover, the information will be more reliable. Transcripts of condominium meetings are often misinterpreted, complicating the administrator’s job. With virtual meetings, sessions can be recorded, providing an accurate and complete record of discussions. This also makes vote counting easier, as votes are securely counted and all interactions are documented for future reference.
Disadvantages of the Virtual Assembly
- Implementation costs: There may be expenses related to system implementation and ongoing maintenance.
- Technological limitations and accessibility: Some condominium owners may struggle to adapt to new technology, potentially excluding those less familiar with digital tools.
- Condominium regulations: Meetings must comply with the condominium’s governing documents, which may require that assemblies be held in person.
Conclusion
The transition of condominium meetings to an online format, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, has proved to be not just a temporary response but a significant change with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Virtual meetings offer security, comfort, and functionality for condominium owners, reducing costs and simplifying management for administrators. This digital format promotes a more precise focus on specific issues, increases the credibility of information, and facilitates vote counting.
Despite these advantages, it is necessary to weigh the costs of implementation, the need for condominium owners to adapt to technology, and compliance with the condominium agreement, which may require meetings to be held in person. Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person meetings will depend on adaptability, the specific needs of the condominium, and the balance between the advantages of virtualization and practical considerations.
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