HRM Five: Helping staff get the most out of meetings

Meetings are a necessary part of any organisation. Here are some ways to help your teams get the most out of them.
By: | August 12, 2018
Topics: Asia-Pacific | HRM Five | News | US

We offer five important points on everything you wanted to know about HR practices today, but were too afraid to ask. Check out previous editions of HRM Five here.

A recent survey by Accountemps found that employees spend as much as 21% of their work time in meetings — but that a quarter of this time is then wasted because meetings start late, are unncessary, or are not well-prepared.

“People complain about how much time they spend in meetings, and it’s true that not all of them are necessary,” says Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps.

“But it’s also true that these gatherings, whether they’re held on-site or remotely, are often the most efficient way to communicate, collaborate and come to a decision. Both meeting planners and attendees can control whether or not a meeting is productive.”

Here are some meeting-planning tips that organisations can impart to employees, to ensure that workers are getting the most use of their time in and out of meetings.

 

1. Consider alternatives.

If all you need to do is give brief updates, email will suffice. But when you want to build consensus, get buy-in or find solutions — anything that requires a discussion — meetings are the way to go.

 

2. Limit attendees.

Invite only those who need to participate. Smaller meetings tend to run more efficiently than larger ones.

 

3. Time it right.

There’s no rule that meetings must be scheduled in 30-minute increments. Consider 15- or 45-minute sessions if you can cover everything in a shorter period.

 

4. Meet in person.

Phone conferences are practical, saving companies time and money. But for long-format meetings, when you need everyone’s attention and participation, bring staff in-house.

 

5. Create an agenda.

Structure can set expectations and save time. Assign owners to topics and let them know the allotted timeframe they have to speak. Send the agenda out in advance so participants can contribute to the meeting.

 

But meetings are team activities, and attendees also need to do their part. Here are some tips that HR can impart to all employees so that everyone gets the most out of meetings:

Be prepared. Nothing wastes more time than attendees who aren’t ready to speak, don’t have the right handouts or must search their computer to find information.

Arrive on time. When you’re late to a meeting, other participants must either wait for you (which wastes time) or start without you (causing you to miss vital information).

Pay attention. It’s poor workplace etiquette to focus on your phone or laptop while others are speaking. When you listen intently and ask good follow-up questions, not only do you leave better informed, but you also impress your boss and colleagues.

Take turns. There’s nothing more frustrating than people talking over each other. If you start speaking after someone else does, be gracious and yield the floor to them.