![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Healthy-Lifestyle-Fitness-Spor-82604153.jpg\")
In mid-2015, SEEbtm conducted a study about holding meetings outside the office, while taking a walk \u2013 the so-called walking meetings \u2013 among companies in the South East European region.
\nWalking meetings \u2013 PROS
\nAccording to the study, 66.7% of those who were interviewed reported that they have never tried this kind of meetings. However, out of all survey respondents who have tried this form of meetings, 33.3% of them gave positive feedback.
\n[quote_left]I\u2019ve never tried it, but I would like it if more people would prefer this form of meetings.[/quote_left]
\nThey believe that meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication during the meeting, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting.
\nThey assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality. There are no redundant monologues or dialogues coming from comfy armchairs.
\n
Still, for these meetings to be successful, they have to be specific and concise. As one fault, the people who have tried these meetings cite the difficulties in taking notes and the observation that some participants have troubles with following entire conversations or lectures when they are outside their standard environment.
\nThey also note that it is not always simple to get all of the participants interested in walking during the seminar.
\nAs for those who have never tried this form of meetings, 52% would like to try them out, while the rest gave the opposite response, mainly because they believe that these meetings are doomed to be of poor quality and that this is something that management decides on.
\n[quote_right]Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions.[/quote_right]
\nLikewise, we also took notice that company employees who have never attended such meetings would be quite willing to give them a try, while employees working in the hotel sector (hotels or agencies) would be less open to this.
\nAn interesting fact is that out of those who have never tried walking meetings, as much as 58% have never tried them because the idea never even entered their mind. Thirty percent of the interviewed pointed out that they would try them now that they got an idea that they would like to implement.
\nWalking meetings \u2013 CONS
\nThe study found that 24% of respondents cited the extra amount of time that such meetings would take, and they believe that it would be impossible for them to be efficient in this way. They also mentioned inadequate space and location of their offices as some of the reasons against this type of meetings.
\n![\"Chart\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-1.png\")
Being misunderstood and disapproval by their superiors were cites as some of the reasons by 10% of the polled, while 8% of them think that this form of meetings seems too personal, and therefore inappropriate, so they would not want to mix business and pleasure.
\nExercise outside office hours and/or at the company
\nOut of all survey respondents, 20% of them do not practice any form of physical activities. Others (80%), who stated that they do exercise, but mainly outside office hours, most frequently specified workouts and gym sessions, followed by pilates, yoga, swimming, running, power walking, walking, mountaineering, tennis, and cycling.
\nA positive surprise is the high percentage of those who mentioned that they do undertake some form of exercise.
\nSome of the mentioned company activities are company-organised team buildings, field trips, and spa weekends. However, very few respondents (25%) specified that their company makes the effort to organise such activities for their employees.
\n[quote_box_center]Meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting. Respondents assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality.[/quote_box_center]
\nAnother observation is that not a single respondent mentioned that they have the option to get involved in an activity or a form of recreation during office hours or breaks on regular work days. Most companies in the region still seems to be far from the Google concept.
\nSuggestions for companies \u2013 What activities should they offer their employees?
\nIf you\u2019re wondering what activities you should introduce for your employees, the best you can do is ask them. We have, and here\u2019s what employees at regional companies told us.
\nMost survey respondents had positive reactions to the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies where they work. The respondents even feel that it is necessary for companies to give as much attention as possible to organising and designing additional activities for employees.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Exercising-With-Bosu-85354643.jpg\")
As much as half of the survey participants links the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies to\u00a0team building. Organising team activities outdoors, sports games, and spa weekends are the most common answers of the respondents in relation to employee activities.
Team spirit and strengthening relationships among employees, as the objectives of collective activities, are another example of the most frequent answers.
\nAs little as 13% of the survey respondents believe that their company should introduce some form of light exercise during office hours. Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions. These would be optional for employees.
\n[quote_left]We do not have any kind of recreational activities during office hours. Although, some ideas were floating around regarding such things.[/quote_left]
\nA very small percentage of the respondents feel that companies should come up with some activities that their employees could opt for during or outside office hours. Some of the suggestions were setting up designated rooms where employees could chose fitness programmes, pilates, various fun sports activities like foosball, table tennis, or the like.
\nThese ideas were given by the respondents employed with large-scale companies, which have the means to implement such suggestions. In addition, these types of activities have positive effects on employees interacting amongst themselves and team spirit.
\nThe study showed that 17% of the polled respondents feel that companies should cover the costs or provide discounts on fitness or sports activities of their choice that employees would practice outside office hours. Swimming pool cards or monthly gym membership cards represent the most common suggestions.
\nThe post What do companies from the region say regarding walking meetings? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Meetings \u2013 in offices, conference rooms, or coffee shops. We\u2019ve all done that. But have you ever tried walking meetings? In the company building, outdoors, or in another surroundings?\nIn mid-2015, SEEbtm conducted a study about holding meetings outside the office, while taking a walk \u2013 the so-called walking meetings \u2013 among companies in the South East European region.\nWalking meetings \u2013 PROS\nAccording to the study, 66.7% of those who were interviewed reported that they have never tried this kind of meetings. However, out of all survey respondents who have tried this form of meetings, 33.3% of them gave positive feedback.\n[quote_left]I\u2019ve never tried it, but I would like it if more people would prefer this form of meetings.[/quote_left]\nThey believe that meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication during the meeting, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting.\nThey assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality. There are no redundant monologues or dialogues coming from comfy armchairs.\n\nStill, for these meetings to be successful, they have to be specific and concise. As one fault, the people who have tried these meetings cite the difficulties in taking notes and the observation that some participants have troubles with following entire conversations or lectures when they are outside their standard environment.\nThey also note that it is not always simple to get all of the participants interested in walking during the seminar.\nAs for those who have never tried this form of meetings, 52% would like to try them out, while the rest gave the opposite response, mainly because they believe that these meetings are doomed to be of poor quality and that this is something that management decides on.\n[quote_right]Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions.[/quote_right]\nLikewise, we also took notice that company employees who have never attended such meetings would be quite willing to give them a try, while employees working in the hotel sector (hotels or agencies) would be less open to this.\nAn interesting fact is that out of those who have never tried walking meetings, as much as 58% have never tried them because the idea never even entered their mind. Thirty percent of the interviewed pointed out that they would try them now that they got an idea that they would like to implement.\nWalking meetings \u2013 CONS\nThe study found that 24% of respondents cited the extra amount of time that such meetings would take, and they believe that it would be impossible for them to be efficient in this way. They also mentioned inadequate space and location of their offices as some of the reasons against this type of meetings.\nChart\nBeing misunderstood and disapproval by their superiors were cites as some of the reasons by 10% of the polled, while 8% of them think that this form of meetings seems too personal, and therefore inappropriate, so they would not want to mix business and pleasure.\nExercise outside office hours and/or at the company\nOut of all survey respondents, 20% of them do not practice any form of physical activities. Others (80%), who stated that they do exercise, but mainly outside office hours, most frequently specified workouts and gym sessions, followed by pilates, yoga, swimming, running, power walking, walking, mountaineering, tennis, and cycling.\nA positive surprise is the high percentage of those who mentioned that they do undertake some form of exercise.\nSome of the mentioned company activities are company-organised team buildings, field trips, and spa weekends. However, very few respondents (25%) specified that their company makes the effort to organise such activities for their employees.\n[quote_box_center]Meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting. Respondents assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality.[/quote_box_center]\nAnother observation is that not a single respondent mentioned that they have the option to get involved in an activity or a form of recreation during office hours or breaks on regular work days. Most companies in the region still seems to be far from the Google concept.\nSuggestions for companies \u2013 What activities should they offer their employees?\nIf you\u2019re wondering what activities you should introduce for your employees, the best you can do is ask them. We have, and here\u2019s what employees at regional companies told us.\nMost survey respondents had positive reactions to the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies where they work. The respondents even feel that it is necessary for companies to give as much attention as possible to organising and designing additional activities for employees.\nAs much as half of the survey participants links the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies to\u00a0team building. Organising team activities outdoors, sports games, and spa weekends are the most common answers of the respondents in relation to employee activities.\nTeam spirit and strengthening relationships among employees, as the objectives of collective activities, are another example of the most frequent answers.\nAs little as 13% of the survey respondents believe that their company should introduce some form of light exercise during office hours. Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions. These would be optional for employees.\n[quote_left]We do not have any kind of recreational activities during office hours. Although, some ideas were floating around regarding such things.[/quote_left]\nA very small percentage of the respondents feel that companies should come up with some activities that their employees could opt for during or outside office hours. Some of the suggestions were setting up designated rooms where employees could chose fitness programmes, pilates, various fun sports activities like foosball, table tennis, or the like.\nThese ideas were given by the respondents employed with large-scale companies, which have the means to implement such suggestions. In addition, these types of activities have positive effects on employees interacting amongst themselves and team spirit.\nThe study showed that 17% of the polled respondents feel that companies should cover the costs or provide discounts on fitness or sports activities of their choice that employees would practice outside office hours. Swimming pool cards or monthly gym membership cards represent the most common suggestions.\nThe post What do companies from the region say regarding walking meetings? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-06-12T15:23:52+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-21T12:43:39+01:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Two-Businessmen-At-Railway-Sta-50381750.jpg", "tags": [ "activities", "Walking Meetings", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/move-your-body-and-your-mind-at-work-try-walking-meetings/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/move-your-body-and-your-mind-at-work-try-walking-meetings/", "title": "Move your body and your mind at work \u2013 Try walking meetings", "content_html": "Still, it has great effect on our posture and health improvement, our cardiovascular system, circulation, stronger bones, and purifying the mind and negative vibes. Guess what else? Walking also improves and promotes creativity, according to a Stanford University study.
\nWalk for Creativity
\nCreative thinking increases around 60% while we walk and long after it. Also, this study revealed a slightly surprising fact: walking outdoors and walking indoors – whether in nature or in a bland room on a treadmill – have no major differences in their effects on increased creativity. The important thing is that we are on the move.
\nHowever, when it comes to focused thinking that requires precise, accurate answers, Stanford experts failed to determine a positive correlation to walking. Actually, those who walked performed a bit more poorly than those who sat in giving precise, accurate answers to questions.
\n\u201cThis doesn\u2019t mean that any work task should be done while walking, but instead that those who are looking for a new perspective or a fresh idea or creative brainstorming can feel the benefits,\u201d says Oppezzo, a co-author of the study.
\n![\"Walking](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Group-of-happy-business-people-25363187.jpg\")
The Stanford University study serves as an additional encouragement for us to reduce sitting, not only in our free time, but also at work, in a way that we, for example, turn the standard office meetings into walking meetings.
\nWhat are walking meetings?
\nThe answer is obvious – conversations and meetings with employees, partners, colleagues… While we walk, stroll, move. Therefore, instead of spending an hour in a meeting room sitting across each other, we should take a few employees, colleagues, or clients \u00a0for a walk. This way, everyone is \u201cequal\u201d and \u201con the same side\u201d, both literally and figuratively. Walking meetings work best for two to four people, and if they take place outdoors, the only precondition is good weather.
\nWhy should we have walking meetings?
\nWhile we walk, our blood flow improves, we breathe more air, the body relaxes, and the brain works faster. The changing surroundings while we walk has incredible effects on our brain and encourages a faster process of thinking. Simply put, the landscape changing around us, caused by our walking, encourage our brain to \u201cget moving\u201d.
\n![\"Walking](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/walking1.jpg\")
In addition, while we walk, the surroundings can promote and instigate a relaxed conversation, which can later on result in a new idea or a solution to a problem. The way a park is landscaped, a historical fact or event you remember while walking by a landmark, some interesting comments, like the fact that there are no two identical snowflakes (if it\u2019s snowing) or that every cow has a unique pattern (in case you\u2019re in the country), that the designer of the Nike swoosh was paid only USD 35 for the design (if you\u2019re passing by a Nike store or if someone is wearing their clothes)…
\n[quote_box_right]The leaders who are\u00a0known for their walking\u00a0meetings \u2013 Mark Zuckerberg\u00a0(Facebook), the late\u00a0Steve Jobs (Apple), Jack\u00a0Dorsay (Twitter co-founder),\u00a0Barack Obama (US\u00a0President incumbent)…[/quote_box_right]
\nExamples are numerous, and these can be trivial things, simple comments about what you see, that lead to associations and, for example, remembering how the global players turned the situation you are in today to their advantage. Are you already thinking something about the mentioned topics?
\nAlso, we\u2019ll be happier and more satisfied. We know that exercise (even if it\u2019s \u201cjust\u201d walking) can affect the reduction of stress hormones and increase endorphin production in the brain (the hormone responsible for improved mood and energy – the so-called hormone of happiness).
\nFinally, the most important thing – we will be healthier. The World Health Organisation claims that the main risk factor for any disease is precisely the lack of activity and exercise. The sedimentary lifestyle, reinforced by the Internet and shopping channels, are very likely to be the end of us, unless we immediately do something about it.
\n![\"Walking](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/walking2.jpg\")
Exercise affect reduced aggression and tendencies to depression, boosts emotional stability, and also increases motivation to work and adapt to changes. This last thing should motivate management to encourage exercise among their employees.
\nThe leaders who are known for their walking meetings – Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), the late Steve Jobs (Apple), Jack Dorsay (Twitter co-founder), Barack Obama (US President incumbent)…
\nThe dynamics and \u201cmovability\u201d of group meetings
\nGroup meetings or bigger gatherings in terms of seminars, conferences, or other types of events can become \u201cactive\u201d.\u00a0 Of course, this depends on the topic and the point of the gathering, the structure of participants, technical conditions, and finally the desire to implement such a thing.
\nEvent dynamics can be very simple – you can get all attendees to stand up for a while and massage the person next to them for a bit, and then switch. Simple and interesting, is it not? This will help keep focus and concentrate on what follows, and it will relax the attendees a bit and help them establish communication among themselves. And it will also put smiles on some faces.
\n[quote_box_right]Instead of spending an\u00a0hour in a meeting room\u00a0sitting across each other,\u00a0we should take a few\u00a0employees, colleagues,\u00a0or clients for a walk.[/quote_box_right]
\nThe setup of the seminar can be so that the attendees are standing and moving and mingling, together with the speaker. So this event \u201con the move\u201d can be, for example, a seminar. While we walk. My suggestion is to set the key slides in a space or outdoors as an exhibition, printed or on digital screens.
\nAnd then, just like a tourist guide leading a group of tourists through a palace, museum, or a church, explaining, stopping at works of art or certain settings or details, pointing out their significance or telling an anecdote, the same can be done by the lecturer while stopping at the set-up screens or slides. Only at the seminar.
\n![\"Walking](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/walking5.jpg\")
I\u2019m sure that such a seminar would draw and hold the attention of attendees and make a good impression that won\u2019t be forgotten.
\nAll in all, walking is both a remedy and food for the body and mind. In addition, it promotes thinking and creativity. It can have positive effects on the level of satisfaction. By walking during business meetings, team brainstorming, or walking alone to clear your mind and find a solution or come up with a new strategy, you\u2019ll feel positive effects on your health, your relationships with co-workers, and results.
\nAre you still sitting?
\nThe post Move your body and your mind at work \u2013 Try walking meetings appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Walking is the simplest form of exercise – we don\u2019t need special equipment, there are no fees, it doesn\u2019t require stamina, and almost anyone can do it.\nStill, it has great effect on our posture and health improvement, our cardiovascular system, circulation, stronger bones, and purifying the mind and negative vibes. Guess what else? Walking also improves and promotes creativity, according to a Stanford University study.\nWalk for Creativity\nCreative thinking increases around 60% while we walk and long after it. Also, this study revealed a slightly surprising fact: walking outdoors and walking indoors – whether in nature or in a bland room on a treadmill – have no major differences in their effects on increased creativity. The important thing is that we are on the move.\nHowever, when it comes to focused thinking that requires precise, accurate answers, Stanford experts failed to determine a positive correlation to walking. Actually, those who walked performed a bit more poorly than those who sat in giving precise, accurate answers to questions.\n\u201cThis doesn\u2019t mean that any work task should be done while walking, but instead that those who are looking for a new perspective or a fresh idea or creative brainstorming can feel the benefits,\u201d says Oppezzo, a co-author of the study.\nWalking Meetings\nThe Stanford University study serves as an additional encouragement for us to reduce sitting, not only in our free time, but also at work, in a way that we, for example, turn the standard office meetings into walking meetings.\nCreative thinking increases around 60% while we walk and long after it.\nWhat are walking meetings?\nThe answer is obvious – conversations and meetings with employees, partners, colleagues… While we walk, stroll, move. Therefore, instead of spending an hour in a meeting room sitting across each other, we should take a few employees, colleagues, or clients \u00a0for a walk. This way, everyone is \u201cequal\u201d and \u201con the same side\u201d, both literally and figuratively. Walking meetings work best for two to four people, and if they take place outdoors, the only precondition is good weather.\nWhy should we have walking meetings?\nWhile we walk, our blood flow improves, we breathe more air, the body relaxes, and the brain works faster. The changing surroundings while we walk has incredible effects on our brain and encourages a faster process of thinking. Simply put, the landscape changing around us, caused by our walking, encourage our brain to \u201cget moving\u201d.\nWalking Meetings\nIn addition, while we walk, the surroundings can promote and instigate a relaxed conversation, which can later on result in a new idea or a solution to a problem. The way a park is landscaped, a historical fact or event you remember while walking by a landmark, some interesting comments, like the fact that there are no two identical snowflakes (if it\u2019s snowing) or that every cow has a unique pattern (in case you\u2019re in the country), that the designer of the Nike swoosh was paid only USD 35 for the design (if you\u2019re passing by a Nike store or if someone is wearing their clothes)…\n[quote_box_right]The leaders who are\u00a0known for their walking\u00a0meetings \u2013 Mark Zuckerberg\u00a0(Facebook), the late\u00a0Steve Jobs (Apple), Jack\u00a0Dorsay (Twitter co-founder),\u00a0Barack Obama (US\u00a0President incumbent)…[/quote_box_right]\nExamples are numerous, and these can be trivial things, simple comments about what you see, that lead to associations and, for example, remembering how the global players turned the situation you are in today to their advantage. Are you already thinking something about the mentioned topics?\nAlso, we\u2019ll be happier and more satisfied. We know that exercise (even if it\u2019s \u201cjust\u201d walking) can affect the reduction of stress hormones and increase endorphin production in the brain (the hormone responsible for improved mood and energy – the so-called hormone of happiness).\nFinally, the most important thing – we will be healthier. The World Health Organisation claims that the main risk factor for any disease is precisely the lack of activity and exercise. The sedimentary lifestyle, reinforced by the Internet and shopping channels, are very likely to be the end of us, unless we immediately do something about it.\nWalking Meetings\nExercise affect reduced aggression and tendencies to depression, boosts emotional stability, and also increases motivation to work and adapt to changes. This last thing should motivate management to encourage exercise among their employees.\nThe leaders who are known for their walking meetings – Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), the late Steve Jobs (Apple), Jack Dorsay (Twitter co-founder), Barack Obama (US President incumbent)…\nThe dynamics and \u201cmovability\u201d of group meetings\nGroup meetings or bigger gatherings in terms of seminars, conferences, or other types of events can become \u201cactive\u201d.\u00a0 Of course, this depends on the topic and the point of the gathering, the structure of participants, technical conditions, and finally the desire to implement such a thing.\nEvent dynamics can be very simple – you can get all attendees to stand up for a while and massage the person next to them for a bit, and then switch. Simple and interesting, is it not? This will help keep focus and concentrate on what follows, and it will relax the attendees a bit and help them establish communication among themselves. And it will also put smiles on some faces.\n[quote_box_right]Instead of spending an\u00a0hour in a meeting room\u00a0sitting across each other,\u00a0we should take a few\u00a0employees, colleagues,\u00a0or clients for a walk.[/quote_box_right]\nThe setup of the seminar can be so that the attendees are standing and moving and mingling, together with the speaker. So this event \u201con the move\u201d can be, for example, a seminar. While we walk. My suggestion is to set the key slides in a space or outdoors as an exhibition, printed or on digital screens.\nAnd then, just like a tourist guide leading a group of tourists through a palace, museum, or a church, explaining, stopping at works of art or certain settings or details, pointing out their significance or telling an anecdote, the same can be done by the lecturer while stopping at the set-up screens or slides. Only at the seminar.\nWalking Meetings\nI\u2019m sure that such a seminar would draw and hold the attention of attendees and make a good impression that won\u2019t be forgotten.\nAll in all, walking is both a remedy and food for the body and mind. In addition, it promotes thinking and creativity. It can have positive effects on the level of satisfaction. By walking during business meetings, team brainstorming, or walking alone to clear your mind and find a solution or come up with a new strategy, you\u2019ll feel positive effects on your health, your relationships with co-workers, and results.\nAre you still sitting?\nThe post Move your body and your mind at work \u2013 Try walking meetings appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-06-01T11:45:49+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-13T11:30:09+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Confident-business-partners-wa-29311664.jpg", "tags": [ "meetings", "walk", "Walking Meetings", "Hot topics" ] } ] }