"I think we've hit the high point of max human inefficiency in white-collar work. It sometimes seems as if the modern worker spends more time talking about work than actually working." (Jared Spataro, Microsoft)
After reading "White-Collar Work Is Just Meetings Now," I couldn't help but reflect on my own experience. I used to think that back-to-back meetings were a sign of productivity, but after spending an average of 25+ hours per week in meetings for a period of time, I've realized that's not the case.
Instead of just venting about the rise of meetings, I wanted to dig into why this is happening.
Why meetings have multiplied
Convenience of scheduling meetings: With open calendars and easy virtual meeting tools, it's often quicker to set up a meeting than to write a thoughtful message. But this quick fix doesn't always lead to better communication.
WFH policies: Without casual office chats, we rely more on meetings to build trust and keep communication flowing. Those spontaneous face-to-face moments are gone, so we end up scheduling extra meetings.
Increased regional engagement: Post-COVID, it's common for stakeholders to be spread across countries or time zones. This requires more coordination, but the quality of these virtual meetings doesn't always match the in-person ones we used to have.
How do we tackle the overload?
Make writing easier. It's less mentally taxing to write better now. AI tools like ChatGPT can help you draft clearer messages. I'm a fan of transcribing voice messages and using the BLUF method (Bottom Line Up Front) to make sure the key information is right at the start.
Foster trust. While I love skipping the commute with WFH, in-person interactions are still crucial for building trust within teams. As a manager, create bonding opportunities for your team and encourage cross-department interactions. Regular team-building, video meetings, and occasional in-person meetups can help.
Reevaluate the necessity of meetings. Meetings are important, but they come with a cost. Does it really need to be a 60-minute call? Could it be a quick 30-minute check-in? Or maybe it doesn't need to be a meeting at all. Could an email or Slack message do the trick?
A simple checklist:
- Is there a clear agenda and purpose?
- Can the information be communicated through email or a shared document?
- Are all participants necessary?
I'm still working on finding the right balance between meetings and focused work. Let's keep the conversation going.
Originally published on LinkedIn. Want to discuss this further? Get in touch.
