OnBoard released the findings from its first annual OnBoard Board Effectiveness survey. Results show that between March 2020 and March 2021, boards became more effective, more collaborative, and spent more time on vital strategic issues than prior to the pandemic – and that the shift to digital board meetings was a primary facilitator of these outcomes.

The survey included responses from more than 282 board directors, administrators, and staff members in more than six countries and spanned numerous industries, including nonprofits, higher education, financial services, healthcare, professional associations, and others.

Digital Boards are More Effective  
Despite the initial challenges of digitizing board meetings during the pandemic – including difficulties recreating face-to-face interactions, the lack of opportunity for ad hoc conversations, a less conducive format for complex discussions – the majority of respondents (79%) indicated they felt their boards were more effective. And most respondents cited the shift to remote work and virtual meetings as the primary cause for this newfound effectiveness.

A New Focus on Diversity  
Survey results also addressed the need for greater board diversity and focused on critical issues resulting from the widespread social and political turmoil of late. Less than one-quarter of respondents (21%) rated their boards as very diverse, while another 39% said their boards have discussed the issue but have not developed plans to address diversity. Additionally, 87% said their boards do not have committees dedicated to addressing environmental, social, or governance issues, and only 9% have plans to establish such committees in the future.

Continuing Digital Transformation 
The survey also captured forward-looking sentiments from board members, including nearly half of all respondents (47%) indicating that they’ll make significant investments in their board in the next 12 months.

You can download the full survey results here.