Zoom on Time: Why Waiting for Latecomers Hurts Everyone

‘LPT: If you’re hosting a webinar or Zoom call, don’t “wait a few minutes for late people to join in.” It just makes every webinar start 5-10 minutes late, rewards the wrong people and punishes people who arrive on time’

Waiting for latecomers delays everyone, frustrates punctual attendees, and sets a bad precedent. Respecting the schedule rewards those who show up promptly and keeps your event professional.

Sticking to the start time for webinars or Zoom calls is crucial for several reasons. First, it respects the time of punctual participants, who often rearrange schedules to attend. Delaying for stragglers can make them feel undervalued and disrupt their day. Second, it sets a clear expectation that your events run efficiently, encouraging better attendance habits over time.

Third, starting late risks rushing content or cutting key discussions short, lowering the event’s quality. By beginning promptly, you create a professional, reliable atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged.

This approach has added perks. You’ll likely see improved participation as people learn to arrive on time. It also gives you more control over the agenda, ensuring you cover everything planned without stress. Plus, it builds your reputation as an organized host who values everyone’s time equally.

Have you ever been annoyed by a webinar starting late? How would you feel as a host or attendee if everyone stuck to the schedule?

Starting a Zoom call late might seem like a small courtesy, but it’s a slippery slope to chaos. The OP’s push to begin webinars on time highlights a core issue: valuing punctuality sets the tone for professionalism. Workplace efficiency expert Laura Stack notes, “Time is a non-renewable resource—wasting it disrespects everyone involved” (source). The OP’s frustration stems from punctual attendees losing time, while latecomers face no consequences, creating a cycle where delays become the norm. Some Redditors argue for flexibility, citing back-to-back meetings or tech glitches, but this risks undermining those who plan ahead.

This debate ties into a broader issue: workplace time management. Studies show that 37% of meetings start late, costing companies millions in lost productivity annually (source). Delaying for stragglers can also rush critical discussions, as the OP fears, lowering the meeting’s value. Stack’s advice emphasizes setting clear expectations—announcing that meetings start promptly trains attendees to prioritize punctuality.

For hosts, the solution is straightforward: start on time, but plan a brief buffer for introductions or tech checks, as some Redditors suggest. Share agendas in advance to keep things focused, addressing concerns like those of commenters worried about missing key contributors. If chronic lateness persists, follow up privately, as one user advised, to set boundaries without shaming. This balances firmness with flexibility, ensuring everyone’s time is respected. What’s your take—start on the dot or give a grace period? Share below!

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Reddit didn’t hold back on this one, dishing out a mix of snark, wisdom, and real-world gripes. From cultural differences to bosses who call the shots, the community’s takes are as varied as Zoom backgrounds. Here’s what they brought to the virtual table:

These Reddit rants and reflections show the divide between sticklers for schedules and those who see delays as inevitable. But do they miss the mark on why punctuality matters, or are they onto something?

A Zoom call that starts late feels like a digital betrayal—punishing the punctual while winking at the tardy. The OP’s tip to kick off webinars on time is a call to respect everyone’s clock, fostering a culture of accountability. Whether it’s a tech glitch or a cultural quirk, those first few minutes shape the vibe of your meeting. Have you ever fumed in a Zoom waiting room or been the latecomer scrambling to join? What’s your strategy for keeping virtual meetings on track? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation clicking!