Ditch the distractions and create meetings that keep attendees engaged
A new report reveals that distractions during meetings and events, both in-person and virtual, are now estimated to cost the UK economy a staggering £20.7 billion (approximately $25 billion USD), up from £19.9 billion in 2023. The culprit? Boredom, fatigue, and the ever-present lure of technology, according to research conducted by the QEII Centre, a leading London conference and events venue.
The study, based on a survey of over 1,000 UK meeting attendees, paints a picture of widespread fractured focus. Eight in ten desk-based workers admit to losing concentration during meetings, with attendees distracted for an average of 24% of the time during in-person gatherings. Senior managers are particularly susceptible, with 17% admitting to losing focus for half or more of in-person meetings. The shift to remote work has only exacerbated the problem: 55% of people report being more distracted in online meetings compared to just 16% in person.
Further Reading: The $26 Billion Distraction Drain
“This isn’t just about lost time,” says Mark Taylor, chief executive, The QEII Centre. “It’s about lost opportunities, diminished collaboration, and ultimately, a significant hit to the bottom line. The Distracted Economy report provides a roadmap for event planners and attendees alike to reclaim their focus and make meetings more productive.”
The report highlights a complex web of contributing factors. While younger attendees struggle with background noise and hunger, email notifications are a major distraction for those aged 35-44. For the over 45s, boredom and overly talkative participants are the primary culprits. These generational nuances underscore the need for tailored strategies to combat distraction.
Reclaiming Focus
The QEII Centre’s research offers valuable insights for event planners looking to create more engaging and productive experiences. Here’s how they can turn the tide against distraction:
Embrace Interactivity: Ditch the passive presentations. Incorporate Q&A sessions, polls, group discussions, and even gamification to keep attendees actively involved.
Prioritize Relevance: Ensure every session has a clear and compelling value proposition. Attendees need to understand how the information will benefit them directly.
Strategic Tech Integration: Use technology to enhance engagement, not enable distraction. Explore interactive platforms and collaborative tools.
Design for Hybrid: For virtual and hybrid events, create dedicated online engagement activities, utilize breakout rooms, and provide tech support to minimize frustration.
Advocate for Breaks: Encourage clients to respect attendees’ time. Offer designated breaks and networking opportunities.
Keep it Concise: In-person meetings should ideally be kept under 45 minutes, with presentations around 15 minutes for maximum impact.
What Attendees Can Do
The report also offers this advice for attendees.
Note-Taking: Actively taking notes helps maintain focus and reinforces learning.
Hydration: Staying hydrated can combat fatigue and improve concentration.
Phone Off: The simplest, yet often most challenging, step: silence those notifications and resist the urge to check your phone.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
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