How to handle pointless meetings

Anyone who has worked in a modern office knows the sinking feeling of receiving yet another meeting invite that seems unnecessary.

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The subject line is vague, the purpose unclear, and the attendees are more numerous than the agenda requires. These gatherings consume valuable time and drain morale, leaving many employees frustrated. Yet meetings remain a fixture of professional life. The challenge lies not in eliminating them altogether but in learning how to handle those that serve little or no purpose.

The first step in dealing with such meetings is to recognise that they are often a symptom of poor planning rather than outright negligence. Many organisers call a meeting because it feels like the easiest way to share information or seek consensus.

Instead of declining the invitation outright, which can appear uncooperative, it is useful to politely ask what will be discussed and whether your contribution is essential. This simple question can sometimes prompt the organiser to rethink the need for your presence or even reconsider holding the meeting at all.