If you pulled up your work calendar right now, how many meetings are scheduled over the next week? Most calendars are overloaded with meeting invites and, more often than not, employees walk out of them hoping that one day it won’t feel like meetings are a waste of time. Stay tuned, because we’re going to help you revitalize your approach and ensure your meetings are effective. There’s a 50/50 shot that you dislike meetings.

The rapid integration of advanced technologies continues to reshape industries all over the globe. As the business landscape approaches a new year, Canadian companies are investing heavily in technological advancements to position themselves at the forefront of the global digital economy. Below are some technological trends the Canadian business sector is using to foster a tech-forward future — and will continue to in 2025 and beyond.

Digital transformation has dominated strategic discussions across industries over the last few years. Organizations are now under pressure to adapt, viewing such a shift as an effective way to increase operational efficiency and reimagine customer experience. In Canada, the banking sector continues to lead the charge in digital innovation — outpacing other industries in adopting advanced technologies.

The demand for cloud technology is skyrocketing across industries as businesses transition their operations to digital. Research says that 85% of organizations are preparing for a “cloud-first” approach by 2025 to drive digital transformation. In healthcare alone, experts estimate that the total global spending for cloud technology will exceed 89 billion USD. This solidifies the significant impact of cloud-based services in boosting overall efficiency.

Meetings provide a platform for organizations to discuss everything that needs to be addressed, reviewed, and decided, from daily operations to long-term strategies. They help boards and teams stay updated on where everyone is with their current projects and ensure that each member stays aligned with the organizational goals. Needless to say, regular huddles are a way to keep the team engaged and involved. But what happens after the meeting?

With dispersed teams across the world and a slew of new technologies to connect us, the way we work together is changing. While asynchronous work is on the rise and meeting time is on the decline, the time spent in meetings — and how people spend that time — remains divisive.

Board meetings operate under well-defined protocols to ensure directors are efficient with their time and resources. This structured approach requires directors to prepare, making them well-equipped to contribute meaningfully. However, even with this order, board discussions can sometimes veer off course. One of the most challenging meeting segments for board chairs is the AOB.

A high-performing board is recognized as a critical determinant of organizational success. The tricky part, however, is the dynamics of board management which is essential for effective performance. It has evolved in response to various factors: increasing complexity in the global markets, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and growing demand for corporate transparency.

In the anonymous grid of a video meeting, it’s easy for people to tune out – and miss out. Here’s how meeting leaders can fight it.

Discover how to increase productivity in employees by eliminating ineffective meetings with these strategies and the help of apps for tracking employee time.