‘She just talks all day’ – the hidden costs of the communication overload in the workplace
In a recent TEDx talk in Guildford, communication expert Sally Pritchett talked about how modern organisations are inundated with messages, meetings and channels. So much so that, as her 6 year old daughter candidly described her work - “She just talks all day”.
The flippant comment from Pritchett’s daughter raised a critical insight into today’s productivity challenges; are we overloaded with talking about the work?
In 2024, Grammarly believes this constant stream of communication now consumes around 88% of working time - a sobering statistic that suggests the very tool meant to connect us may be compromising our productivity.
According to the University of California, we now process 34gb of information everyday – the equivalent of 2 books or 16 movies.
We are drowning in communication.
Sally has spent the last 30 years helping organisations elevate communications to engage and inspire workforces to unlock better results and improve workplace culture.
As a result of her work, she witnesses communication channels, often set-up during the pandemic, consuming so many hours of misplaced time that ultimately, many are no longer needed.
Of course, it isn’t just the rise of technology tools that are to blame. Sally explains organisations and individuals share messages for many reasons - because they care, they want validation, they want to include, or to help. However, this often unconsciously floods colleagues with noise. She goes on to suggest replacing volume with intent and clarity, making smarter, more human-centred decisions.
She also suggests reducing meeting times, a huge factor for organisations losing time through communication. Sally argues there is no expenses sign-off on meetings, yet they’re expensive. She recommends publishing the costs of individuals’ time in each meeting invite - solely to remind people of the value of time. Also helpful? Encourage organisers to consider ‘Do we need this many people? Do we need it to be this long? Are we even ready to have this meeting?
Comparing organisational communication and the fast-food industry, Sally explains the difference between a fad diet and using nutrition to nourish the body. By making certain changes, organisations can nurture changes with long-term effects.
A brilliant talk worth watching in full. Follow the link to watch Sally Pritchett’s Ted Talk.
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