Let’s talk about something we all know too well – Meetings. And not just any meetings, but the ones that seem to multiply on our calendars like rabbits.
Ever since we’ve embraced the whole hybrid/remote work scene, the number of meetings has increased by over 60%.
The True Cost of “Just Another Meeting”
We’ve all been there – sitting through a meeting, thinking about the mountain of work piling up. But it’s not just a ‘feeling’ we are experiencing; these meetings are actually costing us money. Meetings aren’t just annoying they are expensive too, in terms of both time and money.
Shopify’s Genius Move
Have you heard about Shopify’s clever trick? They’ve come up with this handy tool called the ‘Meeting Cost Calculator.’ It’s a Chrome extension that hooks into your Google Calendar and shows you, in real hard cash, what each meeting is costing the company. Spoiler alert: it’s often more than we think!
The Eye-Opening Costs at Shopify
Picture this: a typical 30-minute meeting at Shopify with three people attending can cost anywhere between $700 to $1600. That’s some serious cash for a half-hour chat, right?
How Much Are You Really Spending?
So, this raises an important question – how much are your meetings actually costing you? It’s not just about the dollar value; think about the time spent (or lost) that could have been used for other productive work.
The Psychology Behind Our Meeting Overload
Ever wondered why we’re having more meetings in a remote setup? It’s a bit like “out of sight, out of mind.” We miss those quick, informal coffee chats, so we end up scheduling formal meetings just to stay connected. But is it really the best use of our time?
Smart Strategies to Reduce Excessive Meeting Frequency
- Smart Tools: Using something like Shopify’s “Meeting Cost Calculator” can be a real eye-opener and make us think twice before sending out that calendar invite.
- Sacred ‘No Meeting’ Days: Having a day assigned with zero meetings can be a breath of fresh air for everyone – a chance to deep dive into work without interruptions.
- Question the Need for a Meeting: Ask yourself, “Could this be a quick call or an email instead?”
- Agenda is a Must: If a meeting is necessary, a clear agenda is your best friend. Stick to it to avoid those never-ending discussions.
- Who Really Needs to Be There: Keep the guest list tight. The more people there are, the more time it tends to consume.
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Wrapping It Up
So, what’s the takeaway? Cutting down on unnecessary meetings doesn’t just save money; it can actually make us happier at work. Fewer meetings mean less stress and more time for the work we actually enjoy doing.
Meetings, when not managed properly, can be a huge time and money sink. By being a bit more strategic about when and why we meet, we can save a lot, not just in terms of dollars but also our sanity!
Remember, in the world of work, sometimes less is indeed more, especially when it comes to back-to-back meetings. Let’s reclaim our calendars and make every meeting count!
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