It’s part two in our series on adapting culture and environment to suit our basic human needs: what we need to feel creative, productive, and energised, in order to thrive at work. Last time, we discussed natural lighting and how to introduce more of it in your workspace. This week I want to talk about something that is often responsible for killing our energy: meeting culture.
Most companies have too many meetings: sit-down meetings, long meetings. They may be loose to any agenda, meandering until finally getting to the point. And this isn’t great for people; time is precious, and so is our creativity. As a result, we need to be moving – both physically and mentally. So, if you have any control over your company’s meeting culture, here are some ideas.
Before starting, I just want to make a point that the meeting needs to be inclusive. Not everyone is able to stand or sit, and that should always be taken into consideration when planning a meeting.
Standing Meetings
But here’s the first idea: whilst you may need dedicated rooms for longer or board meetings, the shorter, punchier meetings could be held standing. So, everyone is standing around, looking at one screen or swapping ideas. It could be people chatting about their priorities for that day or week, and then just going about their business. Can your meetings be shorter, and if so, can they also be standing? You can have some fun with this, too. For example, we have the “Pelican Rule”, which means the speaker has to stand on one leg. This is particularly useful if you have someone who struggles to get to the point (or just loves the sound of their own voice!). And it is amazing how quickly people cut to the chase when also trying to balance.
In addition, you could have hybrid or sit-stand meetings. For instance, having energisers where every now and again people can get up and move around. They might do some star jumps or stretching – or even a power pose. And that will simply work to inject the meeting with some vibrancy. This is also great for Zoom calls if you work remotely. You can read more about how to energise Zoom meetings here.
Walking Meetings
Lastly, we have the walking meeting, which I’ve discussed before. In fact, none of these are brand new concepts, but I do think we’re often slow to adopt good ideas. So, if you have quite an intense meeting coming up (and you’re able to do so), this can be extremely useful. Because walking together while looking straight ahead, rather than directly at each other, might help to take the edge off, and even be more productive. It’s also pretty great if you need to get those creative juices flowing. That’s because movement encourages neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells. It also helps to get fresh, oxygenated blood flowing through the body. Both of these things promote creativity, energy, and vibrancy.
So, three ideas for mixing up your meeting culture. And if you’re not in a position to make these changes, see if you can try it anyway. Stand on one leg, do a lunge and hug or just shake it out. And if someone asks what you’re doing, tell them, “I’m standing because I really want to deliver in this meeting.”
Wellbeing Resources
Our Wellbeing At Work Workshops help employees take ownership of their health. We use a blend of science and technology to empower participants to own their health via actionable insights that can be implemented straight away. Our interactive programmes cover Sleep, Mental Health, Energy, Resilience & Immunity, and bespoke workshops are available on request.
Wellbeing Resources
Our Wellbeing At Work Workshops help employees take ownership of their health. We use a blend of science and technology to empower participants to own their health via actionable insights that can be implemented straight away. Our interactive programmes cover Sleep, Mental Health, Energy, Resilience & Immunity, and bespoke workshops are available on request.
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