Walking Meetings: Why and How to Try One

With an estimated 11 million formal meetings a day in the US alone, it’s no wonder employees find it hard to keep up with their daily tasks while still living a healthy lifestyle. We’ve heard it all before: 30 minutes of activity a day equates to longer and happier lives.

The question is, why aren’t we doing more to build healthier practices into our workday? Don’t let those traditional fluorescent-lit conference rooms with hotel-style furniture stop you from running better meetings.

Greek philosophers from Socrates to Aristotle walked to work out new ideas and keep their energy up. There’s science behind the habit. Walking raises oxygen flow in the body, and the brain works through problems faster as a result. Tech leaders like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Dorsey have all been big proponents of the walking meeting, too.

Jack told Forbes magazine, “we encourage people to stay out in the open because we believe in serendipity — and people walking by each other teaching new things.”

Being outside means some vitamin D and fresh air, and a change of scene can take the edge off a stressful week. It also flattens the usual meeting hierarchy. Walking side by side, nobody sits at the head of the table, and people who stay quiet in the conference room are more willing to share ideas.

To borrow from Dr. Leo Marvin (What About Bob?): start slow, take “baby steps.” If you add 30-minute walking meetings to your schedule just twice a week, you’d average an extra 4 miles of walking a week, which adds up to 16 miles a month and 192 a year. How’s that for staying active?

Start implementing walking meetings today:

• Suggest a stroll around the building with a coworker while you casually work through the objective at hand.
• Keep a comfortable pair of shoes handy for a more enjoyable experience.
• Use our mobile app to record newfound ideas and assign tasks on the go.

A walking meeting still needs an outcome. Assign the action items before you’re back at your desk, and Less Meeting reminds each owner until they’re done. Get started free for 14 days, no credit card required.