When work happens across screens and time zones, human connection can quietly fade into the background. This is where the idea of “buddy walkers” steps in—not as a corporate program or a fitness fad, but as a simple, practical way to bring people together.
At its core, a buddy walker system pairs two people to walk together—virtually or in person—while talking. It’s a low-pressure activity that’s part exercise, part conversation, and all about building relationships that matter.
Why Buddy Walkers Wor
There’s something about walking that makes conversation easier. You’re side by side rather than face to face, the rhythm of your steps gives pauses a natural place to sit, and without the pressure of eye contact, topics flow more freely.
For remote teams, buddy walking doesn’t have to mean the same sidewalk or park. Two colleagues might each put on their headphones, start a voice or video call, and head out for a walk in their own neighborhoods. What matters is that they’re moving and talking together.
A Real-World Example: Turning Weekly Check-Ins into Walks
At a small tech startup, the HR lead noticed their weekly one-on-one meetings were feeling flat. She suggested turning them into buddy walks. Now, instead of sitting in front of a webcam, she and her teammates schedule a 30-minute walking call.
The result? People come back to their desks more relaxed, with better ideas and a lighter tone in follow-up messages. The conversations aren’t just about tasks—they cover weekend plans, local weather, and even neighborhood dogs they see along the way.
How to Start a Buddy Walker Program in a Remote Team
It’s tempting to make things complicated. Resist that urge. Here’s a simple approach:
Step Action Notes
1 Find willing participants Start with a small group to test the idea
2 Pair people up Mix across departments or time zones for variety
3 Pick a time 20–30 minutes is enough for most walks
4 Set a loose topic Optional—helps shy pairs get talking
5 Review and adjust Ask for feedback after the first month
Tip: Let participants rotate buddies every few weeks. This keeps conversations fresh and connections growing.
ROI Games and Buddy Walkers
ROI Games, a company known for creating interactive team-building experiences, has been weaving the buddy walker concept into their virtual programs. Instead of treating walking sessions as an optional “nice to have,” they integrate them into project challenges.
For example, during a team problem-solving exercise, participants are encouraged to take the discussion outside. One pair might walk in Seoul, another in Toronto, yet both are tackling the same challenge. This approach taps into ROI Games’ philosophy: connection and creativity flourish when people aren’t trapped in static environments.
You can learn more about how ROI Games approaches engagement here.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Even a simple idea can meet resistance. Here are a few common hurdles and ways to handle them:
Weather Issues
Not everyone can walk outside every day. Indoor walking (hallways, treadmills) still works.
Time Zone Differences
Use overlapping work hours to match people up, even if it’s just 15 minutes.
Initial Awkwardness
Provide a starter list of light topics: a favorite meal, a small win from the week, or an upcoming personal project.
Why It Matters
Buddy walkers aren’t just about getting more steps in. They’re about breaking the cycle of back-to-back calls and letting conversations breathe. When people connect beyond their to-do lists, trust builds. And trust, in turn, fuels better collaboration.
For leaders, especially those running remote or hybrid teams, the small act of encouraging buddy walks can have ripple effects: improved morale, fresh thinking, and a healthier team culture.
Taking the First Ste
If you’re leading a remote team, try piloting the idea next week. Pair a few people, give them a suggested time slot, and see what happens. Keep it light, make it voluntary, and focus on connection rather than metrics.
For further reading on the mental health benefits of walking, the Harvard Medical School article on walking and health is a great place to start.
Buddy walkers aren’t a magic fix for every workplace challenge, but they are a gentle, human-sized step toward building a team that feels more like a community. And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed.
