The average employee spends 6 hours per week in meetings. Senior management? 20-30 hours. That’s almost an entire workweek lost to talking instead of doing. 😳
But here’s the kicker: if a meeting lasts longer than 15 minutes, most people check out. They’re scrolling, snacking, or multitasking—because let’s be real, we all have better things to do.
On the flip side, meetings can be energizing when they’re structured right. When people feel heard and see their input mattering, they engage instead of endure.
The Remote Meeting Checklist
Want meetings that actually work? Steal this list. Test it with your team. See what changes. 👇
Before Scheduling a Meeting, Ask Yourself:
- Do we really need one?
Multiply each attendee’s hourly rate by the meeting’s length. Does the value of this discussion justify the cost? If not, send an email. - Does it need to happen this often?
Audit your recurring meetings. Can a Slack update replace a standup? Could a monthly async video update work instead? - Are time zones & productivity hours considered?
A 9 AM meeting for you might be 3 AM for someone else. Be mindful.
If You Must Have a Meeting, Make It Count:
- Start on time. End on time.
If a founder can’t be punctual, why should anyone else be? - Assign a facilitator.
No meeting should feel like an open mic night. Someone needs to steer the ship. - Set a clear agenda.
No agenda, no meeting. Simple as that. - Limit time per topic.
If you don’t set time blocks, discussions will spiral. - Cameras on.
No one likes talking into the void. Faces create connection. - Cap meeting length.
Anything longer than 45 minutes needs a rethink. - Ensure accountability.
End every meeting with clear action items and ownership. Otherwise, why did you meet?
💡 Your turn: What’s helped your team make meetings more productive? Drop your best tip below. 👇