Written by Jessica Grasmann

Stay mindful and avoid multitasking on video calls.

As tempting as it is to work on other tasks while you’re on calls, [multitasking is terrible for you and your productivity](https://smartsimplemarketing.com/startling-statistics-on-the-negative-effects-of-multitasking/#:~:text=Only 2.5%25 of the population,e-mail or instant messages.). Help yourself stay focused and present in your Zoom calls by going full screen and minimizing distractions like other windows. That slack message can likely wait! Better yet, mute your notifications so you won’t be tempted to look. There is nothing more disheartening to your team (internal and external) than attempting to engage with someone who is clearly looking at a different window and thinking about a different task.

This meeting not a valuable use of your time? Cancel it, cut it short, or uninvite yourself.

If you find yourself unable to be present during a video call, perhaps it isn’t the most valuable use of your time?

We are all occasionally invited to a meeting we weren’t really needed in. Speak up - politely - if this happens and excuse yourself either right then or for future sessions. It is more polite to excuse yourself than to zone out or act distracted. Pro tip: Say “because” and give the reason you are opting out of meetings.
Or maybe it’s a meeting that could have been an email? Professionally request an agenda to start the discussion about the merits/necessity of the meeting format.
Sometimes we are just accustomed to certain meetings. Because, well, “we’ve always done it this way.” Be bold and switch it up. Try a new abbreviated format like “standup” or make it a huddle.

Make it a phone call.

Unless you need to share your screen, pick up the phone and call someone. Use Slack huddles. Take your 1:1 calls while going for a walk, making a snack, laying on your couch...the possibilities are endless when you’re not tied to your desk!

Bonus: If anyone has muted their slack notifications (see above) and you need help with a fire lane issue, you call or text them to talk about it.

Schedule meetings efficiently

“30 is the new 60” - After 30-45 minutes in a meeting, attention spans begin to decline. Keep meetings short and if you do have to schedule a meeting that is longer than 30 minutes, make sure you have a good reason for it.

Ask yourself the following questions to help schedule meetings efficiently:

What is the purpose?
What is the outcome?
Who needs to be there?
How much time do I really need?

Use some Google Hacks to help:

Change the default meeting length on your calendar. Can you cover everything in 20 minutes instead of 30?