No one is saying meetings are not an important part of the communication architecture within organisations, but it is important time is spent wisely.

Of the issues researched and highlighted by Steven Rogelberg, none are insurmountable.  Firstly, it is crucial to realise how many meetings are taking place and what is their cost.  Steve Jobs apparently said “without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.”  If businesses are going to correct their behaviours, they need to understand their starting point.

Whilst Boondoggl will give comprehensive insight into the cost of individual meetings, it is important to pair that data point with employee feedback. Once you understand the full extent of the problem, the solutions present themselves more clearly.

We suggest 5 simple steps:

1. Sign up to Boondoggl, it is inexpensive for the data insights.
2. Put together a meeting etiquette and training document for all employees and new starters.
3. Set the minimum expectations around attendance, duration, agenda, minutes, actions and follow up.
4. Assign responsibility for meetings at a senior or departmental level.
5. Add generic meeting feedback into HR employee engagement surveys.

In our next blog we will explore each of these suggestions in more depth.