COS Co-CEO Belinda Lyone shared the surprise results of a recent COS commissioned survey with Small Business Connections. The study found that Australian workers have already lost the equivalent of two full working weeks in 2025 to unnecessary meetings.
Two-thirds of surveyed employees say they regularly waste time in unproductive meetings averaging around three hours a week. In contrast, only 42% of leaders and business owners report the same issue, highlighting a disconnect in how time is spent across workplace roles.
“We started trialling changes based on staff feedback and have gradually shaped a structure that works for us,” explains Belinda Lyone.
COS has introduced practical solutions like meeting-free time blocks, shorter meeting durations, and a stronger opt-out culture. These changes aim to improve productivity and reduce frustration by ensuring meetings have clear purposes and outcomes. It’s a timely reminder for business leaders to rethink how time is managed in the workplace.
