Co-walking: the meeting that really works

The office, the meeting room, the computer screen… this is the daily routine for many employees. How about changing things up and turning our meetings into opportunities for physical activity? With co-walking, or walking meetings, gone are the days of static discussions behind a table: we walk, we talk, and we let ideas flow naturally. What’s more, with fall just around the corner, the scenery is adorned with inspiring colors, perfect for walking and thinking.

What does a walking meeting involve ?

A walking meeting, or co-walking, involves stepping outside the usual confines of the meeting room and walking outdoors. The idea is not simply to change the scenery, but to transform the way we exchange ideas and think.

These meetings can be held one-on-one for focused discussions, or in small groups of three to four people, which is ideal for everyone to participate actively. The format remains the same as a traditional meeting: sharing information, making decisions, or brainstorming on projects.

The difference lies in the atmosphere: walking promotes a more relaxed setting, where formality fades away and everyone feels more free to express themselves.

Benefits for participants

Stimulate creativity:

Walking promotes blood circulation and oxygenation of the brain, which stimulates the emergence of new ideas and original solutions. Discussions become more fluid and reflections more profound, providing an ideal setting for brainstorming and problem solving.

Strengthen trust and cohesion:

Moving side by side softens hierarchical barriers and facilitates communication between colleagues. In this more relaxed environment, everyone feels free to share their ideas and get to know each other better, strengthening cohesion and trust within the team.

Combat sedentary lifestyles:

Office workers often spend most of their day sitting down. A walking meeting makes it easy to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, progress toward your step goals, and stay healthy. It can even become a collective challenge, motivating everyone to push themselves while strengthening team spirit. With our step challenge, you can track your steps and boost team spirit while keeping a concrete record of your progress.

Reconnect with the environment:

Getting out of the office, enjoying the fresh air, and admiring nature offers a refreshing break. This immersion in the outdoor environment encourages reflection and sparks new ideas.

How to organize an effective walking meeting?

1. Define the objective and format :

First and foremost, identify the most appropriate type of meeting: brainstorming, project follow-up, or quick discussion. The key is to set a clear objective to avoid walking aimlessly.

2. Select the route and timing :

Choose a pleasant route that is accessible to all participants. Ideally, opt for quiet paths, parks, or streets with little traffic. Limit the walk to 30-40 minutes, which is enough time to stimulate creativity and maintain attention without tiring participants.

3. Choose participants carefully :

To ensure the meeting is productive, select a small group of 2 to 4 people. This allows for a fluid exchange where everyone can express themselves. Too many participants can complicate communication and reduce the quality of interactions. Make sure each participant has a clear role or contribution.

4. Structure the discussion :

Even when walking, it is important to have an agenda: key points to discuss, questions to ask, and decisions to make. This helps everyone stay focused and prevents the conversation from wandering off topic. You can also set aside time for ideas to flow freely, but always stay on track.

5. Take notes wisely :

Taking notes while walking can be difficult. To remain efficient, assign one participant to write the minutes after the walk, or use voice recordings that you can summarize later.

Conclusion

Co-walking isn’t just a trend: it’s a practical way to combine well-being, productivity, and creativity. With autumn offering beautiful scenery, why not take advantage of the season to give your meetings an active and inspiring dimension? Walking will boost your teams’ energy, ideas, and cohesion.