Sauna-Based Meetings™ - a New Tenant Experience Initiative.
At Genesta, we continuously explore new ways to improve the tenant experience and create better working environments across our properties. As part of this effort, we are currently piloting a new meeting format inspired by a well-established Nordic tradition: the sauna.
A pilot initiative to enhance efficiency, transparency and faster decision-making
The concept, internally referred to as Sauna-Based Meetings™, is built on a simple observation — some of the most honest, efficient and productive conversations in the Nordics do not happen in meeting rooms, but in saunas.
Why sauna meetings?
Initial internal workshops identified several potential benefits:
- Fewer unnecessary presentations
- Shorter discussions and faster conclusions
- Improved transparency and openness
- Natural limits on meeting duration
In addition, the format encourages participants to focus on the actual topic rather than slides, screens or seating order.
Pilot program
The first pilot sessions have been conducted with selected teams and tenants in Finland and Sweden, with promising early results:
- Average meeting length reduced by 37%
- PowerPoint usage reduced by 82%
- Decision clarity increased (self-reported)
- Participants described the atmosphere as: “direct”, “efficient”, and surprisingly comfortable”
No incidents have been reported, although hydration guidelines have been updated.
Implementation in selected properties
Following the successful pilot, Genesta will evaluate the possibility of introducing dedicated meeting saunas in selected properties across the Nordics.
Proposed specifications include:
- Tiered seating for up to 8 participants
- Integrated ventilation for extended workshops
- Optional towel service
- Secure storage for phones and laptops
- Whiteboard suitable for high humidity environments
Tenants will be able to book sauna meetings through our standard meeting room system.
Final Note
After very positive feedback from the pilot, we were ready to move forward with the full rollout. However, after further review, our legal team, sustainability team, and several concerned tenants have advised us to postpone the initiative.
For now.
Because today is April 1st.
Happy April Fools’ Day from Genesta.
We promise that all future meetings will remain unnecessarily long, heavily documented, and safely conducted in normal meeting rooms.