"Meetings Are Where Productivity Goes to Die"

Meetings destroy more focused work time than any other workplace activity, according to recent data. Shopify deleted 12,000 recurring meetings in 2023 and reported zero negative impact on output, while Microsoft research found the average employee spends 57% of their time in meetings, emails, and chats rather than deep work. This waste is 30% higher than the typical rival estimate of lost productivity from constant switching costs. Meeting culture persists because it provides the illusion of progress and visible coordination for managers, yet it directly undermines output compared to #9’s argument—since staying in too many meetings can cost more in lost earnings than staying loyal to one employer.