Remote work has changed the way people communicate with each other at work. Conference calls, whether video or audio, are now the norm. Many of us join or host multiple calls throughout the work week, sometimes multiple calls throughout a given day.

A huge amount of important information often is shared through those calls. Now, having a good notetaker can ensure that the information shared doesn’t get lost and to-dos or next action steps don’t get missed.

However, notes don’t always cut it. Notes can’t always successfully provide the context or emotion – such as a sense of urgency – that comes with the delivery of important information.

The solution? Record your conference calls. Then, once the recording has been saved, it can be shared with everyone who was either on the call or could not join.

Recording calls is a best practice

By default, recording conference calls and virtual meetings is a best practice.

A recorded conference call, as we have already mentioned, can be accessed and re-listened to any necessary number of times. If saved and backed up properly, then it’s a permanent record of what information, data and ideas were presented or discussed during the meeting.

That can be an invaluable resource to fall back on in both the short and long term.A recording is often the most effective way of preserving the record for if or when there is any doubt about what directions were given or what call participants shared specific thoughts and information.

Recorded calls help those who could not join live

There perhaps is nobody who benefits more from having a conference call recorded than those who may have wanted to join the call but couldn’t for whatever reason.

With our busy and demanding schedules in today’s business world, there are many instances where any person may need to choose to attend one meeting and miss out on another. With the ability to record a conference call, that individual can then catch up on the conversation and participate in related discussions – or chime in with their own ideas and opinions – that happen after the call.

In short, a free conference call service with a recording feature is almost a necessity for any busy professional in many business or other organization settings. While this feature is just one of many that the best free conference call apps, websites and service providers should include, it could be argued that it is among the most critical.

One of the quickest ways to weed out free conferencing services that may not meet your needs is to look for an included recording feature – and not one that requires an upcharge or subscription to access.

Recording your calls is just one of many free features that are included with Conference Town. In fact, our service is entirely free all the time

Not all meetings need to be or should be recorded

Though it is generally preferable to record phone conference calls, it’s not always recommended or necessary.

For example, some individuals may be uncomfortable with having their conversations recorded for any number of reasons. This could be related to personal privacy preferences, or it could be because of a policy that their particular employer has.

Some individuals may simply want the ability to be completely honest and candid with their conversations. Whether or not they could be may be affected by having the call recorded.

In these cases, the call host will need to determine which they prefer – the ability for these participants to be fully open with their opinions and information they provide or for there to be a record of the conversation.

One potential work around to this scenario would be to take good notes, but again, be clear about what types of notes you are jotting down. You could also offer to share those notes with anyone who may have these types of concerns. That way they can be comfortable knowing what from the conversation will be shared with others who may not have been on the call.

Always ask for permission to record

But this point brings us to a related issue when it comes to recording phone calls.

That is: You should always seek permission from everyone involved on the call before you begin recording. This is not only courteous, but also sets a tone of mutual respect, honesty and transparency between the host and the conference participants.

Another reason to always ask permission to record is that it could be required in the state you are in.

Though not the norm by any means, 11 states have what are known as two-party consent laws. Under these laws, it is illegal to record unless you have permission from every participant on the call before you begin recording.

In most other states, only one person (normally the person who would do the recording) legally has to give their own consent.

However, no matter what state you live in, it’s still best practice and proper conference call etiquette to ask permission before you begin recording.

Be aware of time limits

While recording is an essential feature for choosing the best free conference call service or software, you will want to also pay attention to any time limits a provider may place on your conference.

If there are time limits, then you may need to deal with stopping and restarting the meeting – and remembering to start recording again. This creates the possibility of you forgetting to record because the flow of the meeting was interrupted by a time restriction.

Choose the best free conference call service

In conclusion, the best free conference call service, at minimum, should provide a recording feature at no additional cost, plus no time limits.

There are many services available that meet these requirements, so it is important to do your due diligence and find the conferencing solution that meets your needs.

With Conference Town, you get access to all of our many free features, in addition to the ability to host or participate in an instant conference call with no need to sign up.

Try our conferencing service today and see why many people are switching to Conference Town.