How to Make Workplace Meetings Less Painful (and Actually Useful)

Let’s be honest, most people don’t look forward to meetings. They can feel like an unnecessary nuisance that pulls us away from getting real work done. But meetings don’t have to be a dreaded part of the workday. With just a few small tweaks, you can turn them into something people find useful. 

Below are a few helpful hints:

1. Start with a purpose (and stick to it).

   Before you schedule that meeting, ask yourself: What are we trying to accomplish? A clear purpose keeps things on track and respects everyone’s time. If a topic could be solved with a quick email or a short conversation, skip the meeting altogether.

2. Keep it short.

   Make the default be 30 minutes or less. We usually find a way to fill the time available, so if you schedule an hour, it’ll take an hour, even if it doesn’t need to. Shorter meetings can help force us focus and be more efficient.

3. Invite only who needs to be there.

   Too many people in the room leads to side conversations and wasted time. Include the key team members and keep others in the loop with a quick summary after.

4. Start on time, end on time.

   This one seems simple, but it builds trust and shows you respect people’s schedules. No one wants to sit around waiting for things to get started and always running over can build frustration with employees.

5. Make it interactive.

   No one wants to be talked at for 45 minutes. Ask questions, encourage feedback, and create a space for dialogue. That is when great ideas and brainstorming can bring about solutions that are beneficial to the group as a whole.

6. Always leave with action steps.

   Wrap up by confirming what’s next and who’s doing what. Without this, meetings just become a cycle of talking w

   
   
   
   

   ithout any follow-through.

Meetings should not be the worst part of an employee’s day; they just need a little structure and intentionality. If done correctly, they can put water back into the team’s water bottles and help to move things forward.