Why you should consider an outdoor business meeting

I know what you’re probably thinking… why should I hold a meeting outdoors, in the cold, when we can sit around a table with the radiators on and a warm drink in hand? And that is fair enough. Of course, the idea of meeting outdoors is relatively weather permitting but if you can then you should, and this is why.

Mindfulness

Just being outside of the office can change the dynamics of your usual work meetings. It’s more likely that boundaries between staff and supervisors break down this way. For example, walking side-by-side can diminish hierarchies and help employees feel more confident when speaking with managers or supervisors. Furthermore, when we are able to meet face-to-face in a formal but more relaxed setting than on a zoom call, for example, employee focus, confidence and engagement can increase. Open spaces lead to open minds.

Movement

Participating in regular movement has proven benefits for both our minds and bodies. Often we think of movement as going to the gym, regular running or cycling and playing sport but even the simpler forms of movement has serious benefits. Keeping your body flowing and moving throughout the day, especially at work, can release endorphins and help relieve stress. Participating in a walking meeting outside can allow emotions to move through our bodies, better reciprocating messages you might usually struggle with. Movement can better provide an outlet for self-expression, again building confidence in a professional setting.

Natural light

People are becoming much more aware of the benefits of daylight on our mental and physical health and this is even more important during the winter months as daylight shortens. It is understood that setting aside simply 10-20 minutes a day in direct daylight can have a number of benefits. Morning light is especially important in regulating our circadian rhythms, our natural body clock. Our circadian rhythm tells our body when to sleep, when to wake, when to eat and when to release different mood-altering hormones. In a modern, 9-5 working lifestyle, many commute to work in the dark and return home in the dark. Taking a meeting outside or a walk with a colleague can counter this. If you can do this daily you will see stress levels reduce, improvement in mood, regulated appetite, better sleep and a boosted immune system.

What can we offer?

So, after identifying why taking your next business meeting or perhaps general conversation outside can be extremely beneficial in a number of ways, the next step is finding the right place to do so. Roffey Park Institute is fortunate to be situated in the glorious countryside landscape of West Sussex whilst still being near transport links to London. Boasting an array of nature and wildlife, Roffey Park is the perfect space for outdoor meetings, training courses and general breaks throughout the day. Book our venue for your next training course, conference or meeting.

Categorised in: Facilities, Team Building