Interested in hosting movement meetings with your team? WellWorks can support your efforts! When done properly, walking/wheeling meetings can actually enhance productivity, allow for more honest conversation and build a strong rapport between employee and supervisor. In addition to navigating around buildings or outdoors on campus, you can add additional movements such as stretches, deep breathing or light activity to fit your team's needs. The tips below are intended to offer OHIO employees with the skills and tools needed to facilitate an effective movement meeting.
Indoor Movement Routes with WellWorks
Welcome back to campus, Bobcats!
As you transition back to a more formal office setting, ensure that you still have access to regular movement breaks throughout the day. To assist you in this journey, find a few of your favorite routes around campus and in your favorite buildings. Learn how to host traveling meetings so you can get the most out of an hour with your colleagues. This campus missed you and we don't want to take its beauty for granted ever again.
The files and images below were created by WellWorks student intern, Courtney Den Braber as a way to support your movement while working and learning on our Athens campus. If you have additional building routes that you'd like to suggest, please email wellworks@ohio.edu.
Baker University Center:
Log one mile inside this building by using the Indoor Movement Map provided. Each floor in this building has a slightly different layout.
Download the Baker University Center Indoor Movement Map (PDF)
Grover Center:
Log one mile inside this building by using the Indoor movement Map provided. Bonus: This building features the Atrium Cafe, so is a great option for walking meetings as you can walk and talk and then refuel during the recap portion of the meeting.
Download the Grover Center Indoor Movement Map (PDF)
Convocation Center:
Log one mile inside this circular building by walking the exterior hallway 5.5 times. This is the simplest interior walking path of all the buildings featured on this website.
Download the Convocation Center Indoor Movement Map (PDF).
Patton Hall:
Log one mile inside this building by using the Indoor Movement Map provided.
Download the Patton Hall Indoor Movement Map (PDF).
Chubb Hall:
Log one mile inside this building by using the Indoor Movement Map provided. This building is an excellent option for those looking for a good stair workout as the walking route does require the frequent use of stairs. There is, however, an elevator option in this building.
Download the Chubb Hall Walking Map (PDF).
Morton Hall:
Log one mile inside this building by using the Indoor Movement Map provided.
Download the Morton Hall Indoor Movement Map (PDF).
Whether you use our indoor movement maps or find alternative indoor/outdoor routes, hosting a moving meeting (walking, wheeling, etc.) can help increase productivity, build rapport among your staff and infuse a little more creativity into the workplace. Check out our tips for hosting a successful moving meeting.
Why Host Movement Meetings?
Movement during meetings, brainstorming sessions or difficult conversations has been known to:
- Increase productivity and creativity.
- Reduce stress in the workplace.
- Improve focus while raising energy levels of staff.
- Support physical activity.
- Inspire new ideas.
- Promote relationship-building among staff.
- Increase mental and physical wellbeing.
Movement Meetings are an excellent option for smaller groups dealing with a challenging project or interpersonal issue. Lack of direct eye contact and the presence of physical activity can improve the confidence of participants and increase willingness to participate. Don't worry, though, this is also a productive option for a regular meeting of colleagues who are just sick of the conference room-style of meeting!
How to Facilitate a Useful Movement Meeting
Download the Moving Meeting Facilitation One Pager (PDF)
Location:
- Determine a starting location, a course and a finishing point. No need to be overly ambitious about distance. Allow appropriate time in a movement meeting.
Timing:
- Morning movement meetings are a beneficial way to start your day with activity.
- Holding an afternoon moving meeting can help revive dwindling energy.
Who?
- For small groups, you can be more spontaneous with where to go.
- With larger groups, it is important to have a distinct plan.
- Wheeling Routes: If any of your participants are wheelchair or scooter users, be sure to be aware of the accessible routes of Athens or, if hosting an indoor moving meeting, know where the elevators are located in the building.
Challenges
- Noise: For smaller groups, noise can be beneficial to increase privacy. For larger groups, it is crucial to choose a quieter path.
- Cell Phones: Ask individuals to turn off or silence their phones.
- Narrow Paths: Choose a path that accommodates the size and needs of your meeting and participants.
- Pace: Be attentive to and nonjudgmental of the pace of all involved in the meeting.
Productivity
- Moving meetings are helpful when facilitating uncomfortable conversations or when team members have hit a roadblock and need to brainstorm a new pathway.
- Don’t lose out on the brilliance of your movement! Bring a pocket notebook and pen. Use the time spent moving to speak openly and brainstorm. Stop periodically at locations with seating or good lighting to be able to take notes.
Evaluation
- Ask for verbal feedback after the meeting or, if privacy is desired, conduct a survey in order to determine if the meeting was beneficial or if anything could have been done differently (size, time, path, etc.).
Overall Tips
- Three individuals or less leads to the most beneficial conversations.
- Consider temperature. If it’s an especially warm day, host your moving meeting indoors as employees may uncomfortable returning to work in sweaty clothing.
- Movement meetings have shown benefits to overall understanding and productivity. Individuals are more engaged while their body is being active.
- Have fun! Enjoy the experience and the company.