My first instinct was to just start multiplying numbers, which is exactly the wrong move.
Break down the problem into the number of meetings, average attendees, and average meeting duration, then estimate the total person-hours wasted. Use reasonable assumptions and round numbers to simplify calculations, and clearly state your assumptions.
Pro tip: Define what 'wasted' means—e.g., meetings perceived as unproductive—and acknowledge that not all meeting time is wasted; this shows nuanced thinking. Also, segment by meeting type (e.g., status updates vs. decision-making) to add depth.
Define what 'wasted time' means (e.g., unproductive meetings) and whether to include all meetings or specific types. Confirm if the estimate should be in person-hours or total hours.
Calculate the total number of meetings by estimating the number of knowledge workers, average meetings per week per worker, and weeks worked per year.
Determine the average number of attendees per meeting and the average meeting length in hours. Use ranges if uncertain.
Multiply meetings × attendees × duration to get total person-hours. Then apply a waste percentage (e.g., 30-50%) based on research or assumptions.
Validate the number against known benchmarks (e.g., total work hours) and present the final estimate with clear assumptions and confidence level.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.