Why Smarter Meetings represent a Major Opportunity for our Prosperity

While labour productivity in the Netherlands is lagging behind, the solution is right in front of us in our meeting rooms

It was a wake-up call from Rabobank that recently dominated the news: the Dutch economy is losing ground to neighbouring countries like Belgium and Denmark. Where we were the proud frontrunners for years, we are now stagnating. The culprit? Lagging labour productivity.

But before we collectively panic and think we need to run even faster, Rabo-economist Hugo Erken offers some reassurance: “Higher labour productivity does not mean employees have to work harder. It primarily means working smarter.”

And if there is one place where almost everyone in the Netherlands can make immediate gains by working smarter, it is in the meeting room.

 

A Double-Edged Sword

Addressing our meeting culture is not a cost-cutting measure, but an investment that cuts both ways:

• Healthier working conditions: By scrapping pointless consultations, we reduce workload and increase job satisfaction. This leads directly to lower costs from absenteeism and burnout.

• Creating more value: The time that is freed up can be spent on work that truly matters. Labour productivity rises without us having to run harder.

The result? A stronger economy. And we desperately need those extra resources: with higher productivity, we as a country can continue to afford things like better healthcare, quality education, and effective poverty reduction.

 

The Hidden Thief of Our Time

The Netherlands is known for its “polder model”. While participation is valuable, we have sometimes gone overboard. On average, we spend hours a week in meetings that:

• Lack a clear agenda or goal.
• Take up an unnecessary amount of time.

• Include participants who have little to contribute.

While we are talking about the work, our Danish neighbours are doing the work. That is where a crucial part of the gain lies.

 

Three Steps to “Smarter Meetings”

1. Preparation is the new meeting – Stop sharing information during the meeting. Exchange updates and Q&As asynchronously beforehand. This transforms a 60-minute “listening” session into 20 minutes of to-the-point discussion and decision-making.

2. Focus on the intended outcome – Replace the traditional list of topics with concrete goals and expectations for each participant. For every item, it should be clear in advance: does a decision need to be made, an action assigned, or a plan approved? No intended outcome means no meeting.

3. Participation based on added value – Only invite the people essential to the outcome. Those who only need to provide input can do so beforehand. The rest can read the decisions and supporting arguments whenever it suits them.

 

The Ball is in Our Court

The Rabobank figures are a warning at a national level, but the practical solution often begins on your own work calendar. By taking a more critical look at how we spend our hours, we increase not only our prosperity but also our own job satisfaction.

 

Which meeting in your calendar will you cancel today to make room for real results?