Faster Meetings: Outdoors & Content Writer Focus
- The concept of the walking meeting, where colleagues stroll from point A to point B while discussing business, is gaining traction as a way to enhance creative thought...
- The advantages are clear: fresh air, exercise, and a break from the office.
- James Walsh, a partner at BDO, introduced the concept to one individual, suggesting they meet at a coffee shop and then walk along the South Bank in London.
Ditch the desk: Walking meetings are the smart new way to boost productivity and creativity. This article explores how outdoor sessions, where colleagues walk and talk, can enhance thought and tackle tough conversations, as reported by News Directory 3. Discover the benefits: fresh air, exercise, and a shift in perspective demonstrated by the late Steve Jobs and a Stanford study. Learn how to plan these meetings, considering factors like weather and accessibility, and examine triumphant examples that unlock free-flowing discussions. From health benefits to creative breakthroughs, walking meetings are transforming the way businesses operate. Discover what’s next …
Step Away From the Desk: Walking meetings Boost Productivity
Updated June 15, 2025
Tired of being stuck in stuffy conference rooms? Consider taking your next meeting outside. The concept of the walking meeting, where colleagues stroll from point A to point B while discussing business, is gaining traction as a way to enhance creative thought and tackle tricky conversations. It’s more than just a casual “walk with me” moment; it’s a deliberately scheduled outdoor session.
The advantages are clear: fresh air, exercise, and a break from the office. But the real benefit lies in the way walking can unlock new perspectives. The late Steve Jobs was a proponent, and a stanford University study showed that walking indeed enhances creativity, both during and after the walk.
James Walsh, a partner at BDO, introduced the concept to one individual, suggesting they meet at a coffee shop and then walk along the South Bank in London. Walsh finds that walking meetings with both clients and colleagues lead to more free-flowing discussions than those held in a customary meeting room.
Conversations held side-by-side rather than face-to-face or across a desk are naturally less adversarial
Walsh advises choosing a route with engaging landmarks to serve as conversation starters or distractions if needed.He began using walking meetings during the pandemic when outdoor interaction was limited.A University of Hong Kong study indicated that even silent walks can foster connection in under five minutes. the side-by-side dynamic reduces the adversarial feeling, similar to how arduous conversations with teenagers frequently enough go better in a car.
However, some planning is essential. Consider attire – a brisk walk might not suit formal wear. Also, be mindful that not everyone can or wants to participate. Weather is a factor, but even rain can add “invigoration,” as walsh noted during one particularly wet meeting.
Walking meetings aren’t suitable for presentations or detailed note-taking, and large groups can be unwieldy. But for many, the pros outweigh the cons. As summer approaches, consider trading the desk for the outdoors.
What’s next
As the trend grows,expect to see more businesses incorporating walking meetings into their routine,fostering healthier and more creative work environments. Some, like Walsh, are even taking it a step further with cycling meetings.