Shopify Inc., the Canadian e-commerce company, is taking a proactive approach to combat unnecessary meetings by introducing a calculator embedded in employees’ calendar app. The tool estimates the cost of any meeting involving three or more participants, emphasizing the adage that time is money.
Calculating the Price of Meetings
The calculator utilizes average compensation data across various roles and disciplines, taking into account meeting duration and attendee count to determine the monetary value of the gathering. For instance, a typical 30-minute meeting involving three employees could range from $700 to $1,600. If an executive, such as Chief Operating Officer Kaz Nejatian, is present, the cost can exceed $2,000.
A Drive to Eliminate Unnecessary Gatherings
Shopify’s implementation of the cost calculator is part of a broader effort to reduce pointless meetings. Earlier this year, the company eliminated recurring meetings involving more than two people and discouraged meetings on Wednesdays.
Changing Behaviors and Improving Efficiency
While the cost calculator alone may not be sufficient to drive significant behavioral change, Shopify is implementing additional measures to promote more effective meeting practices. This includes training on best practices, feedback for middle managers, and support from senior leadership. By reducing time spent in meetings, Shopify has witnessed a 14% decrease in average meeting duration per worker. Contributing to an expected 18% increase in completed projects this year.
The bench considered multiple petitions challenging the amendments, including those filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, the Editors Guild of India, and the Association of Indian Magazines. Striking a balance between reducing unnecessary meetings and maintaining effective communication and collaboration remains a challenge that organizations must address.
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