Recording meetings for the purpose of minute-taking has become more common in recent years. As virtual and hybrid meetings have grown, so has the use of tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to capture entire discussions. While recordings can make it easier for minute takers to stay accurate and for teams to stay informed, there are also challenges and risks involved. It is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to record.
PROS
If you record a meeting, that means it can be accessible after the meeting is over. People can reference it as needed or even use it as part of their training materials. Recording the meeting can improve workplace efficiency as well. If there is a presentation in the meeting, the person can distribute the presentation to a wider audience if the presentation was recorded. Some people might miss a meeting because they take holidays, do remote work, or go on maternity/paternity leave, and the list can go on. Recording meetings can help reduce the risk of confusion. Sometimes over the course of a meeting, people can get bogged down with “who does what,” and by the next day, they may have forgotten what they were supposed to do.
Recording meetings can also maintain a sense of transparency for the company. Having meeting information publicly available, word-for-word, increases trust and helps build stronger relationships. Having a complete recording that covers the meeting can help resolve disputes about things like regulations, expectations, or appropriate conduct that come about after the fact.
Recordings can also help a company learn how effective they are at coming together for meetings. Re-watching a meeting to see how everyone collaborated (or didn’t) can be a helpful tool in becoming more efficient and coherent as a team.
CONS
While there are many benefits of recording meetings, there are also serious considerations that could create problems for a company.
First, there are software considerations. Zoom and Microsoft Teams can record meetings, but sometimes there are fees attached. There are also AI-based options where software records and transcribes a meeting automatically.
Then, there need to be considerations regarding whether you have permission to record a meeting. Some participants may not consent to being recorded, and in that case, you might not be allowed to record if the company policy requires consent from all parties. Laws vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to check your own area to ensure what is legal or not.
If you record a meeting without permission, you could violate privacy laws, which could lead to expensive legal matters down the line. Therefore, it is best to avoid those potential issues by asking permission to record in advance and having a clear purpose for doing so.
Conclusion
Recording meetings for minute-taking can be a helpful and efficient practice when used responsibly. It allows teams to revisit important details, improve accuracy, and maintain transparency. However, it also requires caution, consent, and awareness of legal and ethical boundaries. Whether a meeting should be recorded depends on company policy, local laws, and the comfort level of everyone involved. By balancing convenience with confidentiality, organizations can ensure that their meeting documentation remains both accurate and professional.
References
Indeed. (2025, July 26). Recording of Meetings: Pros and Cons. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/recording-of-meetings#:~:text=Recording%20your%20meetings%20increases%20the,reduces%20miscommunications%20or%20conflicting%20information
Sonix.ai. (2023, March 2). How to Record Meeting Minutes. https://sonix.ai/resources/how-to-record-meeting-minutes/#:~:text=Meeting%20minutes%20can%20be%20recorded%20by%20hand,adjust%20transcriptions%20*%20Share%20transcripts%20with%20others