Walking Meetings
Image: Barak Obama and Angela Merkel on a walking meeting.
In this blog I look at the phenomena of walking meetings. This is surely a concept that has been long established, possibly even ancient! Walking meetings became more talked about during the pandemic when we were forced to meet people outdoors. However many people, bosses and businesses have realised the health benefits of walking meetings and have sustained the practice.
A walking meeting is just that: a meeting that takes place during a walk instead of in an office, boardroom, or coffee shop where meetings are commonly held. We know that walking energizes our brains, reduces stress, improves our mood, and can boost communication. What fantastic things to utilise in a meeting, exactly when we want to be focused, creative and communicative!
"Because we don't have to devote much conscious effort to the act of walking, our attention is free to wander-to overlay the world before us with a parade of images from the mind's theatre. This is precisely the kind of mental state that studies have linked to innovative ideas and strokes of insight."
Ferris Jabr, New Yorker, 2014 https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/walking-helps-us-think
If you are inspired to give walking meetings a try, here are a few tips that can help your walking meeting go well:
-If you’re planning ahead to spend your time with someone in a walking meeting, notify them in advance. This allows them to arrive dressed for comfort, perhaps having changed shoes. You might also keep water bottles on hand to offer on warm days.
Stick to small groups, a maximum of three people for a walking meeting.
Have a destination. Actually walking to somewhere like a local park or point of interest can help sell the idea to others and give structure to the outing.
Walking is a good way to be healthier. Don't ruin it by making your end point a whipped cream-topped hot chocolate!
While an endpoint is advisable, let curiosity guide you. If you see something you want to explore, take a detour. Science shows that such spontaneity might further boost your creative inspiration.
Know your goal. Walking is great for brainstorming, getting to know people better, and chewing over issues. It's not a good way to make final decisions.
References
https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/walking-helps-us-think
This article in Harvard Business Review looks at research around the productivity of walking meetings.
https://hbr.org/2015/08/how-to-do-walking-meetings-right
https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/walking-for-health
How can we help?
If you would like support to create a healthy environment for your employees why not engage with our Workplace Wellness packages: https://vitalishealth.co.uk/workplace-wellness
Wellness programmes can be customised to suit your unique team’s interests, needs, and schedules and all programmes are offered online therefore can be accessed anywhere in Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK, Scotland, Wales, England, USA, Europe, Australia, etc.
Dr. Graham makes staff wellness educational and engaging; her light-hearted approach will put you and your staff at ease. At the same time, her programme design takes into account principles of effective education for professional adults.
CORPORATE GP PACKAGES for workplaces include:
Three GP appointments per year including referrals to secondary care
Private online booking via online booking portal
Excess to GP appointments Monday to Friday
Free quarterly corporate wellness seminar online
PRICES START AT £25 PER MONTH PER EMPLOYEEOUR WORKPLACE WELLNESS PROGRAMMES DRAW UPON OUR EXPERTISE IN
General Medicine,
Sport and Exercise Medicine,
Preventative Medicine,
Mindfulness,
Stress reduction,
Nutrition, and
Yoga.