It’s time to bring nature into the office
Embracing nature in the workplace is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also boosts employee wellbeing, creativity, productivity, and interest in sustainability.
Whether you have a tiny indoor space or are lucky enough to have a tonne of outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to connect your employees with the wonders of the natural world. Here is a list of ideas, starting from the easiest addition, all the way up to bigger, more exciting projects.
Indoor plants: even a small indoor plant can boost the wellbeing of your employees, and this is a great way to test the waters to see if they can keep these plants alive.
Windowsill plants: don’t forget that outside your windows are great places for plants too! You just need to buy some planters with the right kind of hooks or fastening. Even better, you can help bees and butterflies too by planting seeds such as lavender, wildflowers, or a special pollinator-friendly mix.
Bird feeders and bird boxes: It’s a win-win: the birds will be very grateful, and your employees can enjoy a spot of bird watching!
Wildlife posters: being able to identify different birds, bees, butterflies, and plants can spark a sense of connection, curiosity, and appreciation for your local wildlife.
Easy growing competitions: if you have any kind of outdoor space, you can start a competition to grow something simple and beginner friendly with some small pots - strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and herbs are all good options to start off with - and can easily be eaten at the office once the competition is over!
Outdoor space for lunch or work: spending time outdoors is great for your wellbeing - fresh air, sunshine, and an opportunity to stretch your legs can do a great deal of good for our creativity and problem solving as well. Extra bonus points of your outdoor space has plenty of plants.
Spaces for wildflowers: wildflowers are excellent for biodiversity; insects and animals love these spaces! If you have a spare patch of grass not in use, plant a packet of wildflower seeds and let it grow wild and messy - no mowing needed!
A micro wildlife pond: this is a really fun little project and will create much needed habitat for frogs, newts, and dragonflies. What’s more, it can also serve as a feeding ground for birds, hedgehogs, and bats, who will in turn eat the pests from your garden!
Insulate your office with a green roof: this keeps your office warm in winter, and cool in summer!
Community garden: increased productivity and wellbeing, physical exercise, teamwork, problem-solving… and fresh veggies to eat! There’s a reason why Google, Toyota, and PepsiCo all have community office gardens.
Bringing nature into the office is a game-changer! Not only does it brighten up the space, but it also boosts everyone's mood, creativity, and productivity.
Whether you start small with some indoor plants or go big with a community garden, there are countless ways to make your workplace greener. What could you do in your space?
