In a rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are continually exploring effective strategies to boost productivity and growth. A prime example is the unconventional “no meetings” policy. This policy has been reinforced by recent studies, such as the survey of 76 companies with operations in more than 50 countries that found a single no-meeting day per week improved autonomy, communication, engagement and satisfaction.
The move away from the conventional reliance on meetings is often prompted by the need to optimize operations, which was what inspired the change at TheSoul Publishing, a remote-first, global media company. The company experienced an upswing in productivity and employee satisfaction once it was implemented. Hours on video calls do not always justify the time and effort invested. By adopting a “no meetings” policy, the companies often experience an increase in productivity and employee satisfaction. This aligns with findings from France’s NEOMA Business School suggesting that no-meeting policies can boost productivity and reduce employee stress.
Embracing Asynchronous Communication
When eliminating meetings, companies need to make sure communication is still happening. To replace the vacuum, companies can embrace asynchronous communication tools, creating a flexible and responsive work environment. This shift is consistent with a study by TechSmith, a software development firm, which revealed that when the company went a month without meetings, employees reported a 15% increase in feeling productive, and 85% said they’d consider replacing future meetings with asynchronous communication methods, which is what companies like TheSoul Publishing have done as well.
Asynchronous communication has significant benefits, such as allowing employees to work at their most productive hours, as reflected by 47.9% of respondents in Oyster’s The Employee Expectations Report 2022 strongly expecting flexible hours from their job. A study examining the impact of asynchronous communication found that these methods reduced the time taken to complete tasks by 58.8% compared to synchronous methods, saving an average of 20.1 minutes per task.
Harnessing Technology for Effective Communication
A key element in making the “no meetings” policy work is leveraging technology. Tools like Slack, Trello and Asana offer platforms where team members can collaborate, share updates and track project progress in real-time.
Advanced features like integration with other software streamline workflows and communications. These technological advancements are reshaping the business landscape, enabling companies to redefine productivity beyond conventional norms.
Growth and Innovation without Meetings
There are several examples of companies that have implemented initiatives supporting company growth without meetings. For instance, Shopify introduced a Meeting Cost Calculator, a Chrome extension that shows the estimated cost of any meeting with three or more attendees. The company found that a typical 30-minute meeting with three employees costs $700–$1600. This led them to cancel many recurring meetings and eliminate Wednesday meetings altogether to reduce unnecessary gatherings.
The positive impact of these changes on TheSoul Publishing’s growth trajectory has been profound. Time saved has been reinvested into strategic initiatives, fostering innovation and boosting the company’s culture through more engaging, informative communication. The increase in employee satisfaction has also led to higher retention rates, creating a positive feedback loop that further propels the company’s success.
The Potential in Embracing No-Meetings Policies
The implications of the “no meetings” policy are much broader than just an increase in productivity. Businesses that have adopted these policies have also seen a transformation in their work culture, which facilitates an atmosphere conducive to innovation and creativity. As Gordon Jenkins mentions, with employees not bound by the rigid constraints of back-to-back meetings, they can focus on meaningful work that directly contributes to the company’s strategic objectives.
Currently, competition for talent is fierce, and businesses offering flexible work environments are likely to attract high-caliber professionals. The reduction in meeting-driven stress, the opportunity to work at optimal hours, and the empowerment of being able to contribute significantly to projects are all attractive propositions for today’s professionals.
Implementing a “no meetings” policy is a significant step toward creating a future-ready organization that values results over processes. It highlights the company’s commitment to adopting innovative strategies that prioritize employee welfare and productivity. However, the transition requires a robust strategy, with clear guidelines on communication and accountability.
Implications for the Future of Work
As businesses continue to navigate the demands of an increasingly digital and globalized world, it’s clear that flexible and employee-centric policies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work. By empowering employees and prioritizing productivity over mere presence, businesses stand to unlock unprecedented levels of growth and success.
A “no meetings” policy and a focus on asynchronous communication have proven to be powerful initiatives in TheSoul Publishing’s growth narrative. It offers a blueprint for other companies, highlighting how restructuring traditional workplace norms can lead to increased productivity, employee satisfaction and business growth.
Aleksandra Sulimko, CHRO at TheSoul Publishing, is a Harvard alumna with an innovative approach to HR. Guiding a team across 70 countries, Sulimko has redefined workplace norms at TheSoul, a Cyprus-based global media publishing company with policies emphasizing “no meetings,” employee well-being and boosting productivity.
