Research shows that spending time in nature can have a profoundly grounding effect, helping us to become more attuned to how we are feeling, calming the mind and reducing stress.
But in our modern, fast-paced life, our implicit understanding that we are part of nature is often no longer the default position.
When we feel busy and pressed for time at work, it’s hard to get outside, even on bright, warm days. It’s even harder when it’s dark, wet, cold and windy. We often need encouragement to get outside.
Read more: The power of walking in the workplace
HR leaders can and need to be supportive, regularly reminding employees of the benefits of spending time outdoors. They need to lead by example.
Here’s how HR leaders can offer a clear strategy that is practical and encouraging for employees to make spending time in nature part of everyday work life. Adopting such advice has the potential to significantly shape company culture for the better.
Encourage breaks and meetings in nature
HR leaders can encourage employees and managers to take brief, regular breaks outdoors during the workday. Urge staff to get outside for five to 10 minutes mid-morning and mid-afternoon, to take in some fresh air, to look at the sky, to move the body, clear the mind and regain perspective.
Leaders could also advise employees to go for a lunchtime walk. Just 20 minutes outside can make all the difference to concentration and productivity levels, especially in the afternoon.
Read more: How the RSPCA doubled its wellbeing satisfaction rates
Hold one-to-one meetings while walking outdoors, when possible. Walking outdoors helps with creativity, problem-solving and stress-reduction while keeping discussions informal and more relaxed.
Be flexible
HR professionals are already well accustomed to promoting flexible working. Why not highlight that flexible work schedules allow employees to take advantage of daylight hours for outdoor activities? This could be especially beneficial for employees with long commutes.
Organisations could earmark specific times for outdoor physical activities, such as group walks, hiking or nature-based yoga, Thai Chi, Qi Gong or mindful movement. Line managers can integrate this into their team's routines.
Integrate nature-based activities into wellbeing programmes
Leaders can, for example, encourage team connection walks, or company-organised ‘forest bathing’, which is also known as shinrin yoku, a Japanese process of relaxation. Such programmes could be integrated into team away day activities, or as part of an organisation’s regular wellbeing offering.
Read more: Employee mental and physical wellbeing must remain a business priority
HR teams can also promote mindfulness practices in nature by offering outdoor, guided, meditation sessions, perhaps part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year is from 12 to 18 May.
Assign or create designated outdoor spaces
HR professionals could support the creation of outdoor workspaces, or encourage line managers to make use of local parks or outdoor areas. Teams could schedule collaborative or brainstorming sessions in these spaces to foster creativity, innovation and wellbeing.
Recommend local parks, walking trails, or natural areas nearby where employees can hold team events and step out for a break.
Lead by example
HR can help line managers model behaviours that promote spending time in natural settings. For instance, leaders can share how they personally benefit from spending time in nature or their experience of conducting their one-to-one meetings while walking, encouraging their teams to do the same. Senior leadership can emphasise the importance of nature and wellbeing, in their communications, setting the tone for a culture that prioritises time spent in nature as a valuable part of the workday.
Leverage technology to support time spend in nature
HR professionals can introduce and promote apps that encourage outdoor activities, mindfulness, or tracking time spent in nature and challenge teams/individuals to take advantage of nature for relaxation, creativity as well as mental and physical health.
Read more: Company wellbeing cannot just be an HR issue
HR leaders can significantly enhance the success of a strategy rollout by providing information about the benefits of spending time in nature. This would include some research based evidence, practical tips and tools and also giving permission to integrate outdoor work activities and breaks into the working day. By fostering a work culture where spending time in nature is valued and prioritised and easily integrated into daily work routines, HR leaders will be supporting healthier, more creative, engaged, collaborative and productive teams.
By Karen Liebenguth, an executive coach, mindfulness practitioner and founder of Parcival
