Four-day week: fewer meetings, better quality

According to Comet's scientific experts, it is necessary to optimize time and resources in the workplace in order to improve worker performance. The possibility of changing the working week by reducing the amount of working time available raises key questions such as the importance of performance and how, with less time, we can maximize productivity. The amount of time and energy we devote to each activity will be of far greater value, especially during team meetings. COMET, the start-up specializing in improving meeting productivity, advocates a "less is more" approach and supports companies wishing to invest time in designing high-quality, but fewer, collaborative meetings.

In order to analyze the real need for this change, the company carried out a study in 2022 which showed that 69% of Spaniards believe they are regularly confronted with "useless" meetings, and that more than one in two employees attend meetings "without knowing exactly why they are there".

According to Comet CEO Victor Carreau: "We believe that meetings can generate significant added value if they are seriously considered. Indeed, we believe that high-quality meetings can unlock communication, collaboration, loyalty and strategic issues. However, we advocate a 'less is more' attitude and support companies who want to invest time in designing a few collaborative, but quality, meetings with their stakeholders."

For successful meetings, COMET recommends five key dimensions:

1. Appropriate people: Instead of having many or few participants, invite the right people to ensure the effectiveness of the meeting.
2. Appropriate location : If the meeting is going to last more than 30 minutes, it's important that it takes place in a comfortable place. Natural light and a pleasant environment can enhance the content of the meeting.
3. Appropriate service: It's essential to have the equipment and services you need to avoid wasting unnecessary time. Everything should be available at the meeting venue and easy to use.
4. Relevant content : The way in which a meeting is structured, organized and run is crucial. Techniques can be learned to improve these aspects and achieve more effective results.
5. Appropriate mentality : You can't expect a group to be creative if members don't know each other well, nor efficient if they're expected to make important decisions after eating. It's important to create an environment conducive to productivity.

In conclusion, the ability to hold fewer meetings will mean holding better ones and rethinking our meeting culture by rebuilding the way we work and fostering a more productive and balanced work environment which, if done correctly, will have a significant impact on employee efficiency, engagement, job satisfaction and well-being.

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