How to launch a startup without going crazy at ever-lasting meetings
Studies reveal employee meetings are a productivity impediment while large firms are already slashing them from the agenda
Google introduced additional days off, a week without meetings, and Citigroup bank banned video calls on Fridays
Teams that go at least one day without meetings saw a 35% increase in employee productivity
The best option for a productive work week is a three-day meeting hiatus
Due to the widespread transition to remote work, companies are beginning to conduct more and more online meetings. However, this greatly reduces the productivity of employees. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) believe that long meetings greatly affect the habitual mode of employees and eventually lead to burnout.
The researchers conducted a survey among representatives of 76 companies. Some of the teams arranged a “day without meetings”, while others completely abandoned them.
Researchers found companies without daily meetings had a 35% increase in employee productivity. The efficiency of employees in companies who introduced a two-day meeting suspension increased effectiveness by 71%.
Another group of researchers from Microsoft revealed that in Covid times burnout evolved into a new pandemic. Studies reveal 54% of employees say they are overworked, and 39% say they are exhausted.
To address the problem of burnout, some companies decided to reduce the number of days when meetings are permitted. Companies like Google introduced a week without meetings, and Citigroup Bank banned work video calls on Fridays in an effort to remedy burnouts.
On the other hand, MIT researchers believe that completely abandoning online meetings is not efficient: “If you reduce the number of meetings by 60%, then the benefits become less.” That is, a balance must be struck. If the number of meetings is insufficient, the company jeopardises employee satisfaction, productivity, and engagement.
For a healthy balance, employers must understand that employees are 73% more resourceful and productive without the daily conferences, yet banning meetings altogether won’t work. The solution should be to look for what rhythm works well for you and your employees.
