There is a growing trend connecting employee productivity to employee wellbeing. Employers offer many benefits such as treadmills, standing/ adjustable desks, nap pods, and pets at work. These perks are part of employers’ increasing efforts to assure employee wellbeing. When employees express fulfillment in all aspects of their well-being, employee engagement increases.. In other words, employees demonstrate greater individual performance.
Wellbeing
Nature plays a key role in the wellbeing of people – adults and children. In a research poll of 1,614 North American employees, it was found that access to natural light and views of the outdoors are the number one attribute of the workplace environment that employees crave. Outdoor access even outranked popular perks like onsite cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare. Over one third of employees feel that they don’t get enough natural light in their workplace.
Benefits
The benefits of nature, the outdoors, and natural light are well known. Cornell University research reinforced the connection of natural light and employee productivity. The research revealed that natural daylight in the office environment led to a 51% drop in eye strain. There was a 63% drop in headaches. Drowsiness reduced by 56%. These types of research results are so internationally prevalent that some European Union countries now mandate employee proximity to windows as part of the national building code.
Exposure to nature is associated with a great deal of benefits both mentally and physically. Time in nature decreases blood pressure. Time outdoors increases attention. It lowers stress with calming effects. People who spend time in nature report less depression and anxiety. Access to plants in the workplace improves air quality. When we have time in nature, we have a greater ability to recover quickly from illness or injury. Nature and being outside leads to less fatigue. Experiencing time outdoors also leads to more positive health choices such as nutrition and exercise and reduced tobacco or alcohol use.
Brain Breaks
Employees spend an average of 5 hours 42 minutes at their desk working each day. The amount of time we all spend on screens such as mobile devices and other technology creates a need for visual breaks. The mind is like a muscle. When we are engaged in extended and focused attention such as concentrating on work tasks, the brain becomes fatigued and requires time for rest and restoration. These breaks can be as simple as taking time to experience views from unobstructed windows or walks through outdoor areas. Even natural paintings are helpful!
Environmentalism
In addition to all these benefits, exposure to nature also leads to a greater value of the future over the present. This future perspective promotes goal setting. It also encourages caring for the community and preparing the world for future generations. Likewise, this includes caring for the environment. The cycle continues. More time in nature leads to caring more about nature. Owing to greater attention on nature, the caring leads to environmental action. Subsequently, people take action that leads to more people having opportunity to experience nature. More people experiencing nature leads to more people caring about nature. It’s a good cycle for everyone.
When we offer exposure to nature for our employees, we improve their overall wellbeing. With this in mind, employees that are well and happy demonstrate more job satisfaction and more commitment to the organization. At Jameson Camp we want to help people of all ages to “get outside and grow inside.” We offer programs for employees lasting a half day, full day or even 1 ½ day in retreats. Retreat attendees spend time in nature and great team building activities on our low ropes, high ropes, and zip line courses. Contact us to see what we can offer your employees for access to nature and the great outdoors!
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