How to Make Office Meetings Less Boring (Without Resorting to Bingo Cards)

We’ve all been there—another meeting that feels like an eternity. You’re daydreaming about dinner while someone’s droning on about Q3 goals. Meetings don’t have to be a snooze-fest. Here are seven fun, actionable ways to keep everyone engaged (and avoid resorting to office bingo).

1. Use Interactive Tools

You know what wakes people up? 

Getting involved.

Use tools like Mentimeter or Poll Everywhere to turn passive listeners into active participants. A little poll or live Q&A can go a long way in sparking interest.

How to Do It: Kick off your meeting with an interactive question or survey.

For example: “What’s one thing you wish you could change about meetings?”

Bonus: This not only breaks the ice but also gives you ideas for future improvements.

2. Rotate Meeting Leaders

Switch things up by having different team members take turns running the show. A fresh face brings new energy, plus it gives people a chance to shine. (And let’s be real, it’s a nice break for the usual suspects.)

How to Do It: Set up a rotating schedule where each person gets a chance to lead.

It can be once a month or every other week, depending on your team size. Just make sure to offer support for those who aren’t used to taking the reins.

3. Start with a Funny Video or Meme

Everyone loves a good laugh, and there’s no better way to start a meeting than with humor. Whether it’s a meme that reflects office life or a short, funny video, it lightens the mood and sets a positive tone.

How to Do It: Find something that relates to the meeting topic, but also something universally funny. 

Think Dilbert comics or a short clip from The Office—just enough to get people smiling without derailing the meeting entirely.

4. Timebox Everything

If your meetings tend to drag on, set strict time limits. Give each topic a set amount of time and stick to it. This keeps things moving and forces everyone to focus on what’s important.

How to Do It: Create a timebox for each agenda item and have someone act as the “timekeeper.”

A good ol’ kitchen timer or your phone’s stopwatch will do the trick. Just don’t let the meeting run over—otherwise, the timekeeper becomes the villain.

5. Incorporate Standing Meetings

Literally. Stand-up meetings are a quick and easy way to keep people on their toes—literally and figuratively. It’s amazing how much faster decisions get made when everyone’s standing.

How to Do It: Suggest having stand-up meetings for discussions that don’t require a ton of detail. 

The lack of chairs will encourage people to cut to the chase. Bonus: It’s a sneaky way to get everyone moving during long workdays.

6. End with a Lightning Round

After covering the main points, finish with a fast-paced lightning round. Each person shares one takeaway or idea in 30 seconds or less. It’s a fun way to wrap up while ensuring everyone gets a say.

How to Do It: Make it a regular thing—every meeting ends with a lightning round. It could be about the project or something light-hearted like,

“What’s your weekend plan?” It helps people leave with a smile and a sense of accomplishment.

Hence, Office meetings don’t have to be mind-numbing. With a few tweaks—some humor, interaction, and variety—you can turn your next meeting from a dreaded event to a productive (and maybe even enjoyable) gathering. So, put down the bingo cards, and try something new. Your coworkers will thank you.