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Let’s be honest: if you’re an office worker, you’re probably sat down for most of your day. Whether you’re typing, in meetings, having lunch, etc. And yet, we’re told to hit a daily target of 10k steps.
I know what you’re thinking. “Ha! Impossible.”
Introducing: walking meetings. The workplace wellbeing activity you didn’t know you needed – until now.
What is a walking meeting?
A walking meeting is quite literally what it says on the tin.
“A workplace meeting – usually held in the office or at home – that takes place outside, whether virtually or in person.”
In Nilofer Merchant’s TEDTalk, she discusses how “sitting has become the new smoking” due to its ever-growing health concerns.
On average, a typical office worker sits more than they sleep. And data shows us that a lack of exercise increases the chances of health problems like breast or colon cancer.
The more we move, the greater our chances of living a healthy and fulfilling life. But the benefits don’t stop there.
What are the benefits of walking meetings?
Walking meetings can:
- Increase creativity by up to 100%
- Boost focus and concentration
- Grow stronger team connections
- Drive fresh thinking and spark new ideas
- Plus, add to your daily step count! (And if you’re a Virgin Pulse member, you’ll get rewarded for completing more steps. Sounds like a win-win to us)
Some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs are huge advocates of walking meetings. Mark Zuckerberg and even the late Steve Jobs, in fact!
Steve Jobs actually preferred walking meetings when brainstorming with peers. Now that’s food for thought.
Whatever you want to call it – walking meetings are an underrated way to get ideas flowing and your body moving.
Team building tip: Challenge your teams to create a funky name for their walking meetings. Here are a few ideas:
- Walk’n’Talk
- Walking Break
- Moving Minutes
How to make walking meetings work for everyone
The next step is to make your walking meeting inclusive.
Some businesses use the name “Strolling meetings” to include those in wheelchairs.
It’s important to remember that not all disabilities are seen. So, although getting outside for a meeting has tons of benefits, making it mandatory might not be the right choice for all employees.
If you’re walking as a group, make sure to look up accessible paths with smooth, flat terrain to cater to all exercise levels.
Most importantly, ask. If you want walking meetings to be enjoyable for everyone, ask your teams what support they might need so you can prepare beforehand.
Our top tips for a successful walking meeting
- Avoid busy roads – opt for a park or quiet street
- Stick to places with good cellular signal
- Consider using headphones/earphones
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Always have a meeting agenda
- Record the meeting (it’s unlikely you’ll be able to walk, talk, and take notes at the same time!)
- Check your local weather – nobody wants to walk in the rain!
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