How Feed.fm Stays Focused

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Since the shift to remote work, meeting-heavy days have become all too common, calendars packed from morning to evening, leaving little space for deep, uninterrupted work. Research estimates that unnecessary meetings cost U.S. businesses over $25,000 per employee each year in lost productivity.

At Feed.fm, focus is part of our culture. We’ve made a conscious effort to change the way we work, pairing smarter meeting habits with the science of music to help our team stay truly focused.

 

The Science of Music for Focus

Our focus playlists, curated and commissioned by our music experts, are built on research showing that certain tempos, rhythms, and instrumental tracks help the brain filter distractions and sustain attention longer. The best focus music features steady beats, minimal lyrics, and consistent dynamics to promote a “flow state,” where you’re fully immersed in your work.

But the right soundtrack only works if you have the time and space to use it. That’s why, for the past two years, our Ops team has led an annual meeting audit — and each year, we’ve surpassed our goals, saving both time and money.

 

Rory sitting at a desk while on her laptop and listening to the Feed Originals playlist

Our Meeting Audit Wins

2023

  • 73% participation rate across the company
  • 24% decrease in time spent in meetings

2024

  • 81% participation — nearly a 10% increase from last year 🎉
  • 12 hours saved weekly across the company by cutting unnecessary meetings

 

A Culture of Accountability

This progress reflects a culture of accountability. Every team member plays an active role in protecting focus time. We default to asynchronous communication (using tools like Slack and Loom), regularly reassess our calendars, and speak up if a meeting might not be necessary.

Accountability also means that if you’re hosting a meeting, you own it from start to finish: setting a clear agenda, keeping discussions focused, and following up with actionable next steps. If you’re invited, you come prepared and contribute meaningfully, or suggest an alternative if your time could be better spent elsewhere.

These habits work hand in hand with our focus music playlists, which give us the right sonic backdrop once that time is protected. Fewer unnecessary meetings mean more uninterrupted stretches where the music can do its job and help us tune in, block out distractions, and do our best work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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