Keep the Goldfish in the Tank: Stop Letting Meetings Expand to Fill the Hour

Introduction

In the corporate world, it's common to hear:

"Let's schedule an hour, but we might end early."

Yet, more often than not, these meetings stretch to fill the allotted time. This reflects Parkinson's Law: work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Meetings do the same—they grow to fit the tank you put them in.

The Current State of Meetings

Recent studies paint a clear picture:

• Employees spend an average of 11.3 hours per week in meetings, accounting for 28.3% of their work time.
  — Fellow

• 71% of meetings are considered unproductive, resulting in major time drains.
  — Rev

• Unproductive meetings cost U.S. businesses an estimated $37 billion annually.
  — Rev

The Case for Shorter Meetings

Want to boost productivity? Cut the length.

• 91% of people can maintain focus in meetings lasting 15 minutes.
  — TreeTop

Shorter meetings align with human attention spans and reduce burnout. They force clarity, reduce rambling, and keep teams engaged.

Strategies for Effective Meetings

Here’s how to keep the goldfish in the tank:

1. Default to 30-Minute Meetings

Don’t book an hour “just in case.” Start with 30 minutes and see what happens. You’ll likely get more done in less time.

2. Use a Time-Boxed Agenda

Break the meeting into time-specific blocks. Stick to them. If something needs more discussion, schedule a follow-up with only the relevant people.

3. Assign a Timekeeper

Give someone the job of watching the clock and steering the conversation back on track when it drifts.

4. Limit Attendance

Invite only those who truly need to be there. Everyone else? Loop them in via recap.

5. Try Stand-Up Meetings

Short, focused, and done before anyone reaches for their phone. Stand-ups keep things quick and purposeful.

Conclusion

Structure doesn't restrict freedom—it enables it. By shortening meetings and tightening structure, you create space for real work to happen.

Remember: meetings are goldfish. If you give them a big tank, they’ll grow to fit. Keep the tank small—and your meetings focused.