The Walking Meeting: Encouraging a Culture of Movement at Work

In an age of back-to-back video calls and never-ending emails, it’s easy for employees to stay glued to their desks all day. But what if we told you that one simple habit could boost creativity, improve wellbeing, and increase productivity? Enter the walking meeting.

Why Walking Meetings Work

Research shows that movement fuels better thinking. A Stanford study found that walking increases creative output by up to 60%. It also improves focus, reduces stress, and encourages more open conversations. Steve Jobs and Barack Obama were famous advocates of walking meetings, and it’s easy to see why.

Sitting all day has been linked to numerous health issues, including back pain, fatigue, and reduced cardiovascular health. Encouraging employees to step away from their desks—even for just 20 minutes—helps break up sedentary time and re-energise the mind.

Creating a Culture That Supports Movement

Building a workplace culture that values movement takes more than just permission—it requires encouragement. Here’s how businesses can embed walking meetings into their routines:

• Lead by example – When leaders swap traditional sit-down meetings for walking ones, it sets the tone for the whole organisation.
• Redefine ‘meeting rooms’ – A meeting doesn’t have to happen indoors. Identify safe and accessible walking routes near your office or encourage remote teams to step outside during one-on-one calls.
• Make it easy – Provide practical support, such as flexible meeting structures, outdoor-friendly gear, or even gentle reminders to take breaks.
• Incorporate wellness initiatives – Encourage movement beyond meetings with incentives like step challenges or mindfulness walks.

Gifts to Support Walking Meetings

If you want to encourage your team to embrace walking meetings, consider gifting practical and thoughtful items that make stepping outside more comfortable and enjoyable:

• A cosy scarf – Ideal for colder days, a stylish yet warm scarf makes walking meetings comfortable all year round.
• A leak-proof coffee cup – Perfect for keeping drinks warm and spill-free while on the move.
• Premium coffee – A good walk deserves a great coffee. A bag of ethically sourced, high-quality coffee makes a simple yet appreciated gift.

The Long-Term Benefits

By making small cultural shifts, businesses can help employees feel more energised, focused, and engaged. Walking meetings aren’t just about movement; they’re about changing the way we work for the better—fostering better communication, clearer thinking, and a healthier workforce.

So why not take your next meeting on the move? Your mind, body, and business will thank you for it.

Shop Lambs Wool Scarf Gift Set

(Photo credit to Hetty Bater expertly modelling our grey lambswool scarf and Circular & Co cup)