Speedy Meetings (Google Calendar Feature)

Overview

"Speedy meetings" is a Google Calendar setting that automatically reduces default meeting lengths, creating buffer time between meetings. When enabled, 30-minute meetings become 25 minutes and 60-minute meetings become 50 minutes.

How to Enable

1. Open Google Calendar settings
2. Go to "Event settings"
3. Check "Speedy meetings"
4. Save

Result: All new meetings default to shortened times

Impact

For Individuals

• 5-10 minute breaks between meetings
• Time for bio breaks
• Moment to process and take notes
• Preparation time for next meeting
• Reduced stress

For Organizations

• Cultural shift toward respecting time
• More meetings starting on time
• Less cascading lateness
• Better meeting effectiveness

The Research Behind It

Microsoft's 2021 research showed that even 10-minute breaks between meetings allow stress levels to reset, while back-to-back meetings cause cumulative stress buildup.

Adoption

• Enable organization-wide as admin
• Recommend to all team members
• Explain rationale (health, productivity)
• Lead by example

Related Features

Microsoft Outlook has similar "Shorten appointments and meetings" option

Zoom allows default meeting duration settings