binarypublishA startup called Bobbie, which produces infant formula, has made the decision to cancel all recurring meetings for the year 2024. The move follows a survey conducted by the company, in which it found that only 54% of workers believed large, cross-functional meetings were productive. The company also cited research that showed reducing meetings by 40% increased employee productivity by 71%. In addition to eliminating recurring meetings, Bobbie also implemented a two-day waiting period before scheduling new meetings and established an ideal timeframe for booking meetings. The decision was well received by employees, many of whom are parents, as it provided increased flexibility and helped them balance childcare needs. Bobbie plans to conduct quarterly employee surveys to measure the impact of removing recurring meetings.
In recent years, there has been growing discontent with work meetings, both in-person and virtual, with many considering them to be time-wasting and ineffective. Bobbie’s decision to cancel recurring meetings for 2024 aligns with a trend of companies making fewer meetings a New Year’s resolution. Shopify, for example, removed all recurring meetings with three or more workers and made Wednesdays meeting-free, resulting in a 33% reduction in time spent in meetings and an increase in project delivery. Bobbie’s cofounder and chief people and experience officer, Sarah Hardy, believes the initial enthusiasm from employees bodes well for the future success of the decision to remove recurring meetings.
The article highlights the importance of addressing the issue of excessive meetings and finding ways to make them more productive and efficient. Bobbie’s decision to eliminate recurring meetings and establish guidelines for booking meetings demonstrates its commitment to respecting employees’ time and improving productivity. The article also emphasizes the positive impact that reducing meetings can have on work-life balance, especially for working parents. It suggests that companies should consider implementing similar measures to attract and retain talent and create a more productive work environment.
Overall, the article underscores the growing discontent with work meetings and the need for companies to reevaluate their approach to scheduling and conducting meetings. It highlights the potential benefits of reducing and reorganizing meetings, as demonstrated by Bobbie and other companies, and emphasizes the importance of employee feedback in shaping these changes. The article ultimately suggests that canceling or restructuring recurring meetings can lead to increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and a more positive work environment.
