A day in nature might be just what your employees and employers need. Recent research on the connection between nature and higher productivity has shown a positive correlation between the two variables.
Tech manufacturer Lenovo commissioned a report dubbed “Recommended Daily Nature Allowance Guide,” according to a 2020 report in the Independent. The results of this report showed that productivity increased by 45 percent for people who were outdoors for just 29 minutes, the Independent reported. This statistic alone could lead employers to think twice about making sure their employees get outdoors or connect with nature in general.
In another study, “Why we need more nature at work: Effects of natural elements and sunlight on employee mental health and work attitudes,” researchers found positive results for employees exposed to sunlight and natural elements. The 2016 study found that people reported higher organizational commitment and job satisfaction.
All combined, there is room for a company to research in-house natural elements and sunlight exposure, along with scheduling that team-building exercise at a local park or nature preserve.
What are the benefits of employees connecting with nature?
- Higher productivity: Research reports have shown that there is a potential to increase productivity significantly for people that make it outdoors for roughly 30 minutes a day.
- Higher commitments to the organization.
- Higher job satisfaction for employees.
How to get started with getting your employees in nature
The best place to look for ideas on any new program for employees is to connect with them. Ask them what the best ways they see to connect with nature and go from there. You’re not going to make any wins by requiring one type of exercise at the office. Flexibility is key in situations like these.
Once you’ve connected with employees, develop your programs. Planning is a vital piece here. No one wants to exercise or act without seeing some type of result or at least receiving some recognition for their efforts. Develop things like quarterly goals, and you’ll see participation and satisfaction rise, which is the intended result for most programs.