Why a packed calendar might signal a pay raise

Harvard economist David Deming and his co-authors examined the link between workplace interactions and salary progression, finding that meetings are not merely a drain on productivity. Instead, they often represent the high-level, complex coordination required in successful companies. Deming describes these sessions as the "broccoli of work"—widely disliked, yet essential for aligning specialized teams on complicated projects.

The research, which analyzed data from thousands of workers in Norway between 2022 and 2024, highlights that intensive communication is a hallmark of roles that command higher compensation. While team support and shared responsibility showed only weak links to pay increases, the hours spent in active collaboration directly correlated with faster wage growth. Deming notes that for employees early in their careers, these sessions are critical learning environments where they absorb company culture and identify key decision-makers.

Despite the clear link to financial gains, the friction remains real. Surveys indicate that a significant majority of workers feel many meetings lack productivity, highlighting a persistent tension between individual efficiency and organizational necessity. Ultimately, the study suggests that rather than being a sign of stagnation, a heavy meeting load often reflects an employee’s integration into the core, complex work streams that drive an employer's success.