Let’s walk and talk: the business benefits of meetings on the move
Make the most of the milder temperatures and take 1-2-1s outside
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Walking meetings offer more than just a change of scenery; they help to tap into the powerful connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 45% of UK adults feel that their mental health and wellbeing could be boosted through more physical exercise[1]. Meanwhile, data from those who engage with the Vitality Programme shows that members who exercise at least three times a week have a 10% lower risk of anxiety and depression compared with less active members[2].
With the benefits of physical activity so well established, GPs are increasingly prescribing exercise, such as walking, for patients with mild to moderate mental health symptoms.
Studies have also shown that moderate levels of physical activity can help to reduce the risk of ill-health more generally. For example, according to The Vitality Habit Index, walking 7,500 steps five or more time a week is associated with an overall reduction in mortality risk by as much as 27%.[3]
That’s why encouraging your workforce to find opportunities during the working day to step outside and walk can help to support their physical health, and also their mental wellbeing.
Here's three reasons to take meetings outside:
1. Get a real break from the screen
It’s easy to think we’re staying active by walking to the coffee machine and back or pacing the corridor during a call, but real movement means stepping away from your desk and giving your eyes a proper break. With research finding that a 20-minute break connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels[4], a short stroll outside can do wonders for your energy and focus.
Vitality’s Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Yetunde Bankole, supports this, explaining: “As a manager walking 1-2-1s can be really beneficial for getting that break in. It’s really important to model that positive behaviour. So, for both the manager and their direct reports to get outside, take a walk and have a break, and practice what you preach, [is crucial].”
2. Honest talk in the open air
As some offices have cut down on meeting rooms and introduced hot-desking, it can be tricky for employees to find a private space to speak with their line managers. Simply stepping outside the building for a 1-2-1 can offer the discretion they need to discuss potentially sensitive topics.
“[Employees can] feel more comfortable getting out of that office space and having those private conversations – sometimes difficult conversations – in an open environment, in which they’re surrounded by just nature, other people, and not [just] their colleagues,” explains Silvia Cordoba, Vitality’s Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach.
3. Help the creative juices flow
Changing up our work surrounding can help spark new ideas and shift perspectives to problem-solving. Studies have also found that walking can enhance creative ideation[5], which has huge benefits for any business.
“I find those 1-2-1s we have outside when we’re walking [can] really help get the creative juices flowing,” explains Yetunde. “We have more bright, exciting ideas in that sense. It can really help to get outside of that office environment.” Plus, it gives you the chance to get your steps in for the day!
‘Walk and talk’ meetings can strengthen communication and collaboration, enhance creativity and support employee wellbeing – all of which are a win-win for employers and their staff. With research finding that organisations with engaged staff see higher productivity and less absenteeism, walking meetings could do more than give your employees fresh air.[6]
Interested to start a step-based activity challenge at work?
If your business is covered by Vitality Business Healthcare and you’re looking for a fun way to get your workforce moving, check out Employee Challenges on the Vitality UK app. This workplace initiative lets companies set up a four-week activity challenge, making it easier to encourage regular movement.
[1] Moving more is good for our mental health so what’s stopping us? Mental Health Foundation
[2] Vitality research into Vitality Programme data 2023
[4] Stressed? Take a 20-minute nature pill, Frontiers
[5] Give Your Ideas Some Legs: The Positive Effect of Walking on Creative Thinking
[6] Employee Engagement vs. Employee Satisfaction and Organizational Culture, Gallup
Related: Employee Challenges
Vitality Business Health Insurance
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- Support your employees’ mental and physical health - with award-winning private medical insurance.
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