An active meeting at work is an excellent alternative to traditional meetings, allowing you to reconcile productivity and employee well-being .
In this article, we explain what an active meeting is and its benefits , and we give you our tips for organizing one.
What is an active meeting at work?
An active meeting is simply a meeting in which participants are encouraged to move or participate in light physical activities .
Unlike traditional meetings, active office meetings encourage movement by including walks, simple exercises, and even standing discussions.
The goal is to optimize interaction, reduce sedentary behavior and improve performance while making the meeting more dynamic.
The benefits of an active meeting
Improved participant focus and engagement
Active office meetings have a direct impact on participants' concentration . By staying active during a meeting, the brain remains alert and attentive, which helps employees retain information more easily and encourages them to participate more actively .
Staying active also helps reduce mental fatigue often present during long meetings in a static sitting position.
Save time and increase efficiency
Traditional meetings are sometimes long and do not necessarily help achieve the desired objectives.
The dynamic format of the active meeting at work encourages employees to participate and be more alert. This helps make meetings shorter and more efficient , getting straight to the point. Discussions are more dynamic, which facilitates decision-making.
Improved collaboration and creativity
Another benefit of an active office meeting is the improvement of creativity and interaction within teams . Simple activities, such as walking or standing, encourage more informal and open exchanges.
This relaxed setting stimulates new ideas and real cooperation between employees.
Reduction of sedentary lifestyle
Unlike a meeting where participants sit for long hours, an active meeting combats the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle .
By promoting movement, this type of meeting improves posture, reduces physical tension and contributes to general well-being.
Our 8 tips for organizing your active meeting
Define the route or meeting space
The choice of route and environment plays an important role in an active meeting at work.
Choose a spacious, bright and open space or opt for a walk outside if conditions permit.
Limit the number of participants
To keep your active office meeting flowing, limit the number of participants .
A small group ensures better interaction and avoids distractions. Ideally, include between 5 and 10 participants for greater fluidity and efficiency.
Set the active meeting activity or type
Find the activity that will best suit your team .
An active meeting at work can include walking outdoors, a session on stationary bikes or even treadmills in modern offices.
Just make sure the activity remains practical and accessible for everyone.
Adapt the meeting format to the topic being discussed
The type of activity depends heavily on the meeting objectives .
An informal active meeting might include walking or indoor cycling, while a strategy session might simply offer light movement in a suitable room.
Arrange the equipment in a semicircle to encourage discussion.
To encourage discussion, we recommend arranging the furniture in a semicircle to facilitate discussions and improve visibility .
Such an arrangement promotes a sense of fairness and participation for all.
Limit note taking
To keep participants' attention, reduce note-taking . Use mobile digital tools to capture key points and share them after the meeting.
Limiting note-taking improves the effectiveness of an active work meeting by avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
Plan a short duration to maintain the pace
An active office meeting should remain concise and rhythmic .
Between 30 and 45 minutes is the ideal length to harness participants' energy without exhausting them. A well-defined duration helps ensure employee productivity and satisfaction .
Integrate dynamic exchange times
Add dynamic moments of exchange , using, for example, mini-games or short brainstorming sessions, to vary the pace and make the meeting more engaging and enjoyable . These light activities increase group cohesion and strengthen the interest of the participants, fully contributing to the success of your active meeting at work.
In conclusion, active meetings in the office are a good way to combat a sedentary lifestyle , be productive and make quick and effective decisions, while having a pleasant time.
