Walking Meeting Effects on Productivity and Mood Among White-Collar Workers

Objective Walking Meetings (WaM) have shown to be acceptable, feasible, and implementable among white-collar workers. This pilot study examines the effects of WaM on worker mood, productivity, and physical activity. Methods Eighteen white-collar workers were recruited from a university in Florida. Participants wore accelerometers for 3 consecutive weeks. During baseline week, participants continued their normal seated meetings. In weeks 2 and 3, participants conducted one walking meeting in groups of two to three people. Results Increased moderate occupational physical activity was correlated with increased productivity measured by decreased work time missed due to health reasons (r = -0.59; P = 0.03) and decreased impairment while working due to health reasons (r = -0.61; P = 0.02). In week 3, very vigorous physical activity was significantly correlated with negative mood (r = 0.69, P = 0.01). Conclusion WaM affected worker mood and productivity and increased occupational physical activity-levels.