Americans are secretly cooking during virtual meetings, with one age group leading the way

A survey of more than 2,000 US adults found that some people cook and do other personal activities during work meetings when their cameras are off. The findings highlight how remote workers manage everyday needs alongside meetings, and raise questions about when multitasking interferes with participation.

Overall, 17% said they had cooked during a meeting, rising to 26% among Gen Z respondents. Other reported activities included using the bathroom (23%), online shopping (14%), exercising (13%) and falling asleep (12%); the last figure was 30% for Gen Z. Experts said expectations vary, but advised workers to communicate when stepping away and employers to keep meetings focused and invite only necessary participants.