New report finds attendee distraction in meetings is costing organizations billions
Inattentive attendees in meetings are costing British Business £20 billion ($26 billion US) according to new research from London’s QEII Centre. The venue’s latest “Distracted Economy” report reveals that the economic toll of lost concentration during meetings and events has climbed to £20.7 billion annually, up from £19.9 billion in 2023. This figure underscores the increasingly urgent need for event planners and venues to rethink meeting design and engagement strategies.
While the research focuses on the UK market, the findings offer critical insights for US meeting and event planners battling the same engagement challenges. This isn’t just a UK problem; it’s a global issue, and the implications for US events are significant.
The report, based on a survey of over 1,000 UK desk-based workers, paints a picture of widespread inattention. A striking 80% of respondents admitted to losing focus during meetings, with online gatherings proving particularly problematic. A majority (55%) reported being more easily distracted in virtual settings, compared to just 16% for in-person meetings. Another 27% find both formats equally challenging.
Further Reading: Is Your Meeting a Snooze Fest? Here’s How to Fix It
Perhaps surprisingly, senior management isn’t immune to the distraction epidemic. The report found that 17% of senior managers and business owners lose focus for half or more of in-person meetings, a concerning statistic given their leadership roles. This compares to 10% of mid- or junior-level managers. The implication is clear: distraction isn’t just a problem for junior staff; it’s a systemic issue impacting all levels of an organization.
So, what’s behind this collective loss of focus? The top culprits, according to the survey, are boredom (25%), tiredness (24%), and a preoccupied mind (23%). These findings highlight the importance of creating engaging meeting content and fostering a culture that values focused attention.
“As one of the UK’s leading conference and events venues, hosting over 400 events each year, we understand the shifting meetings and events landscape,” says Mark Taylor, Chief Executive of the QEII Centre. “We also understand the hugely important role that venues and event planners play in creating engaging and productive meeting experiences.”
Taylor emphasizes the venue’s commitment to helping clients combat distraction. “It is our hope that these findings inspire event planners and venues to create exceptional experiences and design meetings and events that engage delegates, enhance productivity, and achieve business goals,” he adds.
The report notes, however, that despite the rise of virtual meetings, 56% of respondents expect to attend more in-person events in 2025 than they did in 2019, suggesting that the demand for effective face-to-face interactions remains strong. The onus is now on venues and event organizers to deliver experiences that justify that demand and recapture the billions currently being lost to distraction. The full “Distracted Economy” report, available for download [link provided in original text], promises to offer more detailed insights and solutions for businesses looking to plug this costly leak.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Wave Break Media @ Freepik
