How to Make Video Calls Actually Productive (Especially in Small Teams)

Let’s face it — video calls were supposed to make work easier. But in many startups, they’ve become a productivity killer. Teams are stuck in back-to-back Zooms, wasting time on things that could’ve been async updates.

The Problem with Video Calls in Startups

• Too many meetings: People spend more time talking about work than doing it.
• Interrupts deep work: A 30-minute call can derail a whole afternoon.
• Low engagement: Half the team’s on mute, multitasking, or zoning out.

How to Use Video Calls the Right Way

1. Only call when it’s necessary: Use video calls for real-time decisions or sensitive topics — not daily standups or status updates.
2. Set a clear agenda: Always start with “why are we meeting?”
3. Keep it short: Default to 15–30 minutes max. Anything more needs a strong reason.
4. Have a next step: Every call should end with a decision or action, and it should be written somewhere (like in Lalye).

Alternatives to Daily Video Calls

• Use a shared Kanban or dashboard for daily updates
• Write async standups in a group chat or tool
• Record 2-minute Looms instead of meetings

Video calls aren't bad — but they need boundaries. In a fast-moving team, protecting time is more valuable than pretending to be “always available.” Make every call count — or skip it.