The benefits of nature on productivity at work
Nights in yurts or perched cabins, micro-adventures, reconnecting with the living - country living nurtures a new, highly desirable imagination. It's a time that stretches out and calls us to take our heads away from our screens. Thegreen exodus of many teleworkers during the summer holidays has shown that combining a lunch break in the garden with an afternoon videoconference is far from utopian. The popularity of teleworking is perhaps due to the many productivity-enhancing benefits of nature. Why is nature good for us? Let's get down to some green therapy!
Boost creativity at work with a country-style break
Leaving your routine behind for a few days of green work boosts your creativity. First of all, it's a matter of awakening the senses. The sound of engines is replaced by the lapping of water or the crackling of bark underfoot. And that can only be good for the brain! Researcher and neuroscientist Michel Le Van Quyen (1) points out that "the brain needs silence to regenerate. It's a fundamental physiological need. Noise is a nuisance that is not sufficiently taken into account". Philosopher Cynthia Fleury (1) speaks of "the lack of silence that prevents us from thinking, of silence as a factor of well-being". If you can't hear yourself think, how can you come up with new ideas? Immersed in a new setting, you take a fresh look at all those things you're used to doing in the office: your tools, your processes, your weekly meetings. It's in this original setting that daring can take hold. If you're working on a new offer with your marketing team, why not go somewhere new to encourage innovation?
Our team's advice:
Book a three-day getaway with your colleagues in the countryside! Whether you're looking for a coworking break, a company seminar or an original team-building activity just 1 hour from Paris, you don't have to blow up your carbon footprint to unwind. In the heart of our friendly homes bathed in greenery, you'll enjoy some unique moments. The program includes bike rides, barbecues and brainstorming sessions in the shade of an oak tree. And the little extra that makes all the difference: we'll create experiences tailored to your specific HR needs (team building, employee loyalty, etc.). Contact us to find out more!
Manage your emotions better by taking green breaks
Connect with nature to better connect with your emotions. Several studies have shown that contact with nature can reduce anxiety andimprove mental health. Firstly, American researchers (2) showed that spending 10 minutes a day in a park or forest reduced stress in a group of students preparing for exams. Specifically, they measured their blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and compared them with those of another group who had not benefited from this green break. The first group proved to be in better psychological condition than the second. Also interested in this phenomenon, researcher Yoshifumi Miyazaki (3) studied the benefits of forest contemplation over a ten-year period. He came to similar conclusions. Sitting for fifteen minutes in nature reduced cortisol levels by 13%. Fascinating, isn't it?
Our team's advice:
Feedback to give? Telephone briefing scheduled? Look for a pretty park close to the office and walk there to make your call. We prefer mornings and early afternoons when the children are still at school, for greater peace and quiet.
Increased concentration is one of nature's benefits for productivity
It may seem trivial, but the space in which we work strongly influences the way we feel at work. A worldwide study by the Human Spaces agency (4) shows that a nature-inspired layout (plants, natural light, wood, etc.) not only improves employee well-being (+15%), but also makes them more productive (+6%). And if there's green space nearby, it's even better! If you don't have the opportunity to schedule an escape during your day, a view of a park or even a wallpaper with a rejuvenating landscape can already have a positive impact on your physical condition. In fact, according to a study (3) carried out on people hospitalized after an operation, it was found that when patients had a window in their room overlooking a park, they recovered more quickly.
Our team's advice:
Suggest to your colleagues in charge of furnishing the offices that they add a few plants and natural decorative elements. All that's left to do is get together with your green-thumbed colleagues to look after the plants.
Aswe've seen, the benefits of nature on productivity are manifold: concentration, creativity, stress management, etc. With small touches or by taking advantage of wide-open spaces, we can only encourage you to let nature into your professional environment.
Did you like this article? You might like this one: Team building with original activities: 9 ideas to plan
Sources :
(1) https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2023/04/24/alerte-sur-les-effets-du-bruit-sur-la-sante_ 6170832_1650684.html
(2) https://www.rtl.fr/actu/debats-societe/bien-etre-contre-le-stress-passer-10-minutes-dans-la-nat ure-7800210936
(3) https://www.caminteresse.fr/environnement/la-nature-nous-fait-du-bien-et-cest-prouve-12194 9/
(4) https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20161125-why-you-cant-afford-to-ignore-nature-in-the-wo rkplace
