The article addresses the growing concern over inefficient one-on-one meetings in the workplace, highlighting how they often waste time and resources.It cites a 2024 report by Fellow, which states that Canadian employees spend nearly 20% of their workweek in meetings, while managers spend over 35%.A 2018 Robert Half study found that 25% of meeting time is typically wasted, with 58% of respondents citing unnecessary meetings as a key issue.

The piece argues that many meetings lack clear purpose, with leaders often extending sessions by asking for "anything else" after discussions conclude.Companies like Shopify, Aurora, and Basecamp have implemented strict meeting policies, limiting group sizes and banning standing meetings.

The financial cost of these meetings is also emphasized, with a weekly one-hour meeting costing $664 for a single employee and $3,984 for six direct reports.

The author recommends four steps to improve meeting efficiency: defining a clear purpose, reducing frequency and duration, preparing in advance, and taking control of the meeting’s direction.The article concludes by urging organizations to prioritize meaningful interactions over time-wasting rituals.