What is the recommended duration for effective meetings according to best practices?

The recommended duration for effective meetings often falls within the range of 90 minutes to 2 hours, as this timeframe allows for a thorough discussion of agenda items while still being mindful of participants' attention spans and engagement levels. During meetings of this length, there is enough time to delve into complex topics, foster meaningful dialogue, and facilitate decision-making while also allowing for periodic breaks or transition points to maintain focus and energy.

Meetings shorter than 90 minutes might not provide adequate time to cover all necessary materials comprehensively, which could lead to superficial discussions and potentially unresolved issues. Conversely, meetings extending beyond 2 hours can strain the participants' concentration, causing fatigue and diminishing returns in participation and effectiveness. Therefore, the 90-minute to 2-hour duration is optimal for balancing depth and engagement in discussions, promoting productivity, and ensuring that key objectives are met.