werksessie

A werksessie is a planned, time-boxed collaborative session in which a group works on a specific topic to achieve concrete outcomes. The term is Dutch and combines work (werk) with session (sessie). Werksessies are commonly used in the Netherlands and Flanders to organize intensive, focused work outside of routine daily tasks.

Purpose and scope vary, but typical aims include alignment on goals, ideation, problem solving, requirements gathering, or the creation of a roadmap. They are usually designed to produce tangible deliverables, such as decisions, prioritized backlogs, design concepts, or a clear next set of actions.

Participants and roles often include a cross-functional mix of stakeholders, a facilitator, and a scribe or note-taker. External consultants may be brought in for neutrality. A werksessie typically features a structured agenda, pre-work, and time-boxed activities that encourage participation and rapid progress.

Format and methods commonly employed include brainstorming, affinity diagramming, user journey mapping, dot voting, and rapid prototyping. Visual tools like whiteboards and sticky notes are frequently used, along with digital collaboration tools when remote participation is required.

Outcomes of a werksessie are intended to be concrete and actionable, such as a prioritized plan, clearly defined decisions, assigned responsibilities, and a documented summary of next steps.

The concept is closely related to a workshop but emphasizes a sustained, collaborative focus on a defined objective within a single session or a short series of sessions.