Combatting "Phubbing" in Meetings

"Phubbing" is ignoring someone with a phone.

In today’s always-connected world, the line between our digital and physical environments is increasingly blurred. One place this digital intrusion is most noticeable is in meetings—where smartphones often become silent disruptors. The term "phubbing" (a blend of “phone” and “snubbing”) refers to the act of ignoring someone in favor of your smartphone. While it may seem harmless to glance at a notification or reply to a quick message, the cumulative effect of this habit can be detrimental to workplace communication, engagement, and respect.

Why Phubbing Is a Problem in Meetings

At its core, a meeting is an opportunity for collaboration, idea sharing, and decision-making. Phubbing undermines these objectives in several ways:

• Decreased Engagement: When participants are distracted by their phones, they’re not fully present in the discussion. This can lead to missed information, redundant conversations, or poorly informed input.

• Damaged Relationships: Consistently phubbing colleagues signals that their time and contributions are less important than a text or social media scroll. Over time, this erodes trust and mutual respect.

• Lower Productivity: Meetings already get a bad rap for being time-consuming. Add in constant phone checking, and you’re stretching out conversations that could otherwise be concise and effective.

• Poor Company Culture: When leadership is seen phubbing during meetings, it sets a tone that such behavior is acceptable, making it harder to foster a culture of attentiveness and collaboration.

Simple Practices to Combat Phubbing in Meetings

Addressing smartphone distractions doesn’t require drastic policy changes. Here are some practical strategies that organizations and team leaders can adopt to minimize phubbing and boost meeting productivity:

1. Set Clear Expectations

Start by establishing a “no phones during meetings” guideline, unless devices are being used for presenting or note-taking. This doesn’t need to be authoritarian—instead, frame it as a mutual agreement to foster respect and focus.

You can even encourage a "tech-free zone" mindset, where everyone agrees to leave phones out of sight or on silent to remove temptation.

2. Lead by Example

Leadership sets the tone. If managers or team leads are checking their phones mid-meeting, others will feel it’s acceptable. However, when leaders model full engagement, it signals that everyone’s presence and input are valued.

3. Make Meetings More Purposeful

Often, people turn to their phones because meetings feel irrelevant or inefficient. Avoid this by:

-- Having a clear agenda with time limits.

-- Only inviting team members who truly need to be there.

-- Sticking to the schedule to respect everyone’s time.

When meetings are concise and relevant, attention naturally follows.

4. Designate Tech Roles

If technology is necessary, assign specific roles—like a note-taker, timekeeper, or someone managing a digital whiteboard or shared screen. This provides a structured way to use devices without turning the room into a distraction zone.

5. Try Standing or Walking Meetings

For shorter check-ins, standing meetings or walking meetings can reduce the urge to use phones. Movement keeps people engaged and makes it logistically harder to look at a screen.

6. Use Breaks Wisely

In longer meetings or workshops, incorporate short breaks where phone use is allowed. This helps participants manage their digital needs without disrupting the flow of the session.

7. Offer Gentle Reminders

Sometimes, phubbing is unconscious. A light reminder—such as a “phones away” slide at the beginning of a presentation—can be enough to refocus attention without calling anyone out publicly.

Creating a Culture of Respect and Presence

Combating phubbing isn’t just about controlling smartphone use—it’s about fostering a culture of respect, presence, and productivity. When people feel heard and valued in meetings, they’re more likely to engage fully and leave their phones alone.

It also helps to encourage open conversation around digital habits. Allow team members to share what helps them stay focused and create solutions together. The goal isn’t to shame anyone, but to cultivate mindfulness and mutual respect.

Final Thoughts

Smartphones are essential tools—but in the wrong setting, they can also be barriers to meaningful communication. By recognizing and actively addressing the issue of phubbing, teams can reclaim the value of in-person (or virtual) meetings. With small changes and consistent leadership, meetings can become more productive, respectful, and genuinely collaborative experiences.

Let’s commit to being present—and leave the phubbing behind.