No. 1 lesson from 3 years of no-meeting Wednesdays, says HR expert: Meetings aren’t ‘the enemy’
How Canva’ s HR Head Jennie Rogerson Improved Employee Engagement and Productivity
Meetings are a necessary part of the business but can also be a significant time suck. A study by the Harvard Business School found that the average employee spends about 23 hours per week in meetings. That’s a lot of time that could be spent on other, more productive activities.
That’s why Canva, an online graphic design platform, instituted a policy of no-meeting Wednesdays. The idea is that employees would use this day to focus on deep work without the interruptions of meetings.
The Benefits of No-Meeting Wednesdays
There are several benefits to having no-meeting Wednesdays.
First, it gives employees a chance to focus on their work. When employees are constantly interrupted by meetings, getting into a flow state and doing their best work can be difficult. No-meeting Wednesdays allow employees to work uninterrupted, which can lead to increased productivity.
Second, no-meeting Wednesdays can help to reduce stress. Meetings can be stressful for employees, especially if they are not well-organized or too long. No-meeting Wednesdays give employees a break from the stress of discussions, which can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
Third, no-meeting Wednesdays can help to improve employee engagement. When employees feel like they can focus on their work and get things done, they are more likely to be engaged in their work. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Implement No-Meeting Wednesdays
If you are considering implementing no-meeting Wednesdays at your company, there are a few things you need to do to ensure it is successful.
First, you need to get buy-in from your employees. Explain to them the benefits of no-meeting Wednesdays and how it can help them to be more productive and engaged.
Second, you must ensure your employees know how to use their time wisely on no-meeting Wednesdays. Encourage them to focus on deep work, such as writing code, designing products, or researching new ideas.
Third, you need to be prepared for some pushback from employees. Some employees may be resistant to change, and they may not see the benefits of no-meeting Wednesdays. Be patient and explain the benefits to them again.
No-meeting Wednesdays can be a great way to improve employee engagement, productivity, and stress levels. If you are considering implementing no-meeting Wednesdays at your company, follow the tips above to ensure it is successful.
Here are some additional tips for implementing no-meeting Wednesdays:
- Set clear expectations for what employees should do on no-meeting Wednesdays.
- Ensure employees have access to the information and resources they need to do their work.
- Provide regular feedback to employees on their progress.
- Celebrate successes and learn from failures.
By following these tips, you can make no-meeting Wednesdays a success for your company.
The article is “No. 1 lesson from 3 years of no-meeting Wednesdays, says HR expert: Meetings aren’t ‘the enemy.'”