If You Set Meetings, You Have the Power to Fix One of Employees' Biggest Complaints

We’ve all been there—back-to-back meetings, a packed calendar and the sinking feeling that real work happens outside of scheduled calls.

But let’s shift perspectives for a moment.

What if you’re not just attending these meetings—but the one setting them?

If you’re leading a team, running a department, or managing a business, you have more power than anyone else to change this.

But I’m Just One Person—Can I Really Make a Difference?

It’s easy to think, "Meetings are just part of company culture. I can’t change that."

But change doesn’t start with policies. It starts with one person taking a step that others will appreciate—and follow.

Employees spend 31 hours per month in meetings—almost a full workweek. Yet, 67% of meetings fail to deliver real value.

The good news? When even one leader rethinks meetings, it sets an example. Others notice. The team feels the impact. And suddenly, change isn’t just possible—it’s happening.

Organizations that challenge the status quo and rethink meetings see:

? 74% increase in productivity

? 62% boost in employee satisfaction

? 44% higher engagement

So before scheduling another meeting, pause and ask yourself:

?? Does this meeting truly need to happen?

?? Could this be handled in a faster, more efficient way?

?? Am I setting up my team for success—or adding unnecessary friction?

The “Base Zero” Approach to Meetings

To shift from a reactive to a proactive culture, leaders need to reset their mindset. Instead of assuming a meeting is necessary, start with zero meetings—and work up from there.

Even One Person Can Start This Shift. Here’s How:

1. Challenge Recurring Meetings

• If a meeting isn’t driving action, eliminate it.
• Could we meet less often? Weekly meetings might be more effective bi-weekly. Monthly meetings might work better quarterly.
• Could this be combined with another conversation?

2. Protect Deep Work with “No Meeting Blocks”

Employees are frustrated by constant interruptions. Too many meetings disrupt deep work and creative thinking.

Instead of letting meetings dictate your team’s schedule, set boundaries.

Try introducing 2-4 hours per day as meeting-free time. Even if it’s just your own schedule at first, it helps your team:

?? Stay focused on meaningful work

?? Reduce stress and meeting fatigue

?? Think proactively instead of reacting to constant calls

3. Use Smarter Collaboration Tools

Not everything requires a meeting. What if you replaced unnecessary calls with:

?? Email for updates

?? Surveys or polls to gather input

?? Video recordings for announcements

?? Shared documents for collaboration

?? Messaging apps or quick 1:1s for check-ins

If a Meeting Is Necessary, Make It Count

Some meetings are valuable—but only when they’re designed to drive decisions and action.

If you’re leading a meeting, set the tone with:

? A clear agenda shared in advance

? Time-boxing to stay focused

? A decision-driven approach instead of endless discussion

? A follow-up recap with action steps

Leading Change Starts Small—But It Can Start With You

If you set meetings, you set the tone. You have the power to make meetings productive—or a drain on time and energy.

It may feel like a small step, but when one leader starts questioning unnecessary meetings, others notice. Your team will appreciate it. And soon, the habit of rethinking meetings will spread.

By taking a base zero approach, you’re not just fixing meetings—you’re building a workplace where time is respected, communication is intentional, and employees can thrive.

Donna Desrosiers - March 11, 2025