With the average worker spending up to 9 hours a day at their desk, research has found integrating walking meetings into your work culture can have huge health benefits and increase efficiency. Here are a few reasons why your office should make the change:
Employee Health:
Walking meetings allow employees to unplug, energise and introduce physical activity into their daily routine, reducing the health consequences of sitting all day. Studies suggest 30 minutes a day of walking can have a significant impact, so why not carry it out with ordinary meetings?Increased Collaboration:
Moving away from the more traditional setting of a conference room breaks down the organisational hierarchy of roles and promotes free thinking. Walking side by side or in a group reinforces teamwork, supporting cognitive engagement and focus.Improves Creativity:
Research suggests nature and changes of scenery promotes divergent thinking for employees. Different environments can inspire new ideas and problem solving, not only on the walk but also afterwards.
The rise in a sedentary lifestyle has led to workers becoming conscious of their health. By replacing time spent at their desk with more active exercises, physical and mental wellbeing will improve. While not all meetings are suitable to be taken outside, knowing your intention or goal for the outcome will help determine whether it is appropriate for you or not.