Survey Workers reveal their biggest complaints about meetings

Survey Workers reveal their biggest complaints about meetingsSurvey Workers reveal their biggest complaints about meetingsNew research from Accountemps shows that 66% of office workers say a meeting that starts or ends late is their biggest complaint about them.But while 36% of employees say that they feel less engaged when meetings are held remotely, the same group says that they spend an average of 24% of their time overall in meetings.Independent research firmspolled more than 1,000 American, adult office workers and more than 2,000 finance leaders from companies in more than 20 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas.Workers most popular meeting complaintsRespondents could plattl more than one option. These are the ones that were chosen most oftenStarts or ends late 66%Its unnecessary (e.g., couldve been handled over email) 63%Too much or elend enough time allotted 57%Attendees distracted (using a phone, checking email, doodling, etc.) 57%Attendees interrupt each other 55%Not stic king to an agenda when one is provided 49%Attendees unprepared 47%While employees say that an average of 25% of their time in meetings is wasted, those surveyed in finance said that they spend an average of 24% of their overall time in them. Those in this latter category also said that an average of 21% of their time in meetings is wasted.Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps, commented on the research in a statement.People complain about how much time they spend in meetings, and its true that not all of them are necessary. But its also true that these gatherings, whether theyre 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, he said.