Nature in the Workplace
Could nature tackle all of your workplace problems?
Imagine a workplace where employees are not only engaged but also thriving, where productivity is at its peak, creativity flows freely, and sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Sounds like a dream, right?
Yet, today’s work environment is far from this ideal. UK employee engagement is at a pitiful rate of 23%, sickness absence rates are the highest they’ve been in a decade, only a quarter of employees feel they are reaching their creative potential, and the UK’s productivity still lags behind France, Germany, and the United States. On top of that, heads of sustainability are burning out and grappling with ambitious targets on shoestring budgets.
Businesses spend substantial amounts each year on separate initiatives to address these seemingly disparate problems. But what if I told you there’s a way to tackle all these issues with one cohesive, all-encompassing strategy?
The strategy: nature.
Putting some spider plants around the office probably isn’t quite going to cut the mustard, but truly investing in connecting your workforce with nature in substantial and meaningful ways can bring an impressive array of multifaceted benefits, including:
Improved Wellbeing
Nature has a profound impact on mental and physical health. Spending time connecting to nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. Encouraging employees to spend time outdoors, whether through lunchtime walks in the park or eco-volunteering, can significantly enhance their wellbeing. Companies such as House of Hackney have set up a multitude of policies to encourage and enable employees to spend 120 minutes outdoors weekly in order to boost health and wellbeing.
Boosted Productivity
Natural environments can enhance concentration and reduce mental fatigue. Studies have shown that employees who spend time outdoors are more focused and productive when they return to work. So why not let your employees take meetings outside? Or create a workplace community garden? Initiatives such as Sea Tuesdays at Finisterre, where employees spend their mornings embracing the cold English seaside, have demonstrated how nature can rejuvenate the mind and boost productivity.
Increased Creativity
90% of business leaders believe creativity is essential for competitiveness in the market, and a significant body of research shows that nature improves creative thinking and problem solving skills. Encouraging employees to take nature breaks or hold meetings outdoors can lead to higher levels of creative output. Nature's unpredictability and beauty can serve as a powerful catalyst for new ideas and perspectives.
More Pro-Environmental Behaviours
Connecting employees with nature not only benefits them personally but also fosters a culture of sustainability. When people spend time connecting to nature in natural settings, they develop a greater appreciation for the environment, which can translate into more pro-environmental behaviours at work. Eco-volunteer days, where employees participate in environmental conservation activities, can instil a sense of responsibility and drive sustainable practices within the organisation. This hands-on approach can help companies meet their sustainability goals more effectively and create a workforce that is genuinely committed to environmental stewardship.
In summary, integrating nature into the workplace isn't just a trend; it's a strategic move that can address multiple challenges simultaneously. By fostering a stronger connection between employees and nature, businesses can improve wellbeing, boost productivity, enhance creativity, and promote sustainable behaviours.
It’s time for C-suite, HR, and Heads of Sustainability to join forces and embrace the power of nature by creating opportunities for employees to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.