We used to have this problem at work too. We solved it pretty easily (some people may find it a bit rude), but if the meeting was: a) going nowhere b) wasn't

We used to have this problem at work too. We solved it pretty easily (some people may find it a bit rude), but if the meeting was: a) going nowhere b) wasn't relevant to what you do you would just say "Hey, not sure I'm needed here, I'm going to get back to work". This has worked really well to pare down the number of meetings we have as well as making them more focused. We've also found that when you have a set length for a meeting you will fill all of that time up. Some of us have started doing a bit more of impromptu meetings that are short and to the point. Obviously this isn't an easy thing to bring to any workplace, but I sure wish you could.