Walking Meeting Effects on Productivity and Mood Among White-Collar Workers: Evidence From the Walking Meeting Pilot Study.

Kling, Hannah E; Moore, Kevin J; Brannan, Debi; Caban-Martinez, Alberto J

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 2-3 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.