From Boardroom to Forest Floor: Nurturing Employee Wellbeing and Corporate Sustainability Through Nature Connection

As the crisp autumn air settles over London's bustling cityscape, I find myself reflecting on the profound wisdom that nature offers our professional lives. In my experience of guiding corporate groups through the ancient groves of Epping Forest, I've witnessed transformations that never cease to inspire me. There's an almost magical quality to watching the barriers of hierarchy and office politics dissolve as teams immerse themselves in nature's embrace.

Picture this: A group of colleagues, usually tethered to their screens, now standing beneath towering oaks, their senses awakened by the forest's subtle symphony. As they engage in mindful forest bathing exercises, you can almost see the stress and tension leaving their bodies, replaced by a palpable sense of openness and curiosity.

But what exactly is forest bathing, and why is it so powerful?

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku as it's known in Japan, is not just a walk in the woods. It's a mindful immersion in nature, engaging all our senses and allowing the forest atmosphere to envelop us. The practice originated in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country's forests.

At Nature in Mind, we've seen firsthand how this practice can revolutionise corporate wellbeing and team dynamics. Our forest bathing for businesses sessions harness the power of Natural Volatile Organic Compounds (NVOCs) - nature's own essential oils - to boost immune function, reduce stress hormones, and promote overall wellbeing.

The science backs up what we're seeing:

• Exposure to nature reduces cortisol levels, allowing for clearer thinking and better decision-making[1].

• Shared experiences in novel environments strengthen social bonds[2].

• The patterns and rhythms of nature inspire innovative thinking and problem-solving[3].

  
  

Research shows that engaging with nature can reduce stress responses by up to 60%, shifting us from fight-or-flight to a state of rest, digest, and repair[4]. This isn't just good for individual employees; it's a boon for companies too. Reduced stress leads to lower absenteeism, increased productivity, and enhanced creativity - all crucial factors in today's competitive business landscape.

But the benefits extend far beyond the individual or even the company. As employees develop a deeper connection with nature, we see a ripple effect that touches every aspect of their lives. They bring this newfound calm and clarity back to their families, their communities, and crucially, to their decision-making processes at work.

This is where the long-term benefit for our planet comes into play. Research into the psychological construct of nature-connectedness shows that people who feel more emotionally connected to the natural world are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviours[5]. They make more sustainable choices in their personal lives and advocate for greener practices in their workplaces.

Imagine the impact if every corporate team in London spent regular time forest bathing. We'd see a workforce that's not only healthier and more productive but also more committed to sustainability. This could drive a sea change in how businesses approach their environmental responsibilities, leading to more robust corporate sustainability initiatives in London and a genuine commitment to reducing carbon footprints.

As we face unprecedented challenges in our world, from climate change to rapidly evolving workplaces, I believe that reconnecting teams with nature isn't just beneficial – it's essential. It's about cultivating resilience, fostering genuine connections, and nurturing the kind of creative thinking that will shape our future.

At Nature in Mind, we're not just offering team-building experiences – we're pioneering a revolution in how teams connect, communicate, and innovate, all while fostering a deep and lasting connection to the natural world. Whether through our Employee Wellbeing Experiences, our Nature-Connected Carbon Literacy Training, or our transformative 12-Month Taking Root Programme, we're helping companies weave nature into the very fabric of their organisational culture.

As the leaves begin to turn and London's parks and woodlands burst into autumnal glory, I invite you to imagine how your team could be transformed by regular immersions in nature. What insights might emerge? What connections could be forged? What innovations might take root?

Let's step beyond the boardroom and into a world of natural wonder and untapped potential. Together, we can nurture healthier employees, more sustainable businesses, and ultimately, a greener, more resilient planet. Our innovative programmes for businesses are designed to enhance workplace wellbeing in London while also promoting green HR initiatives that benefit both employees and the environment.

[1] Korpela, K., De Bloom, J., Sianoja, M., Pasanen, T., & Kinnunen, U. (2017). Nature at home and at work: Naturally good? Links between window views, indoor plants, outdoor activities and employee well-being over one year. Landscape and Urban Planning, 160, 38-47.

[2] Weinstein, N., Przybylski, A. K., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). Can nature make us more caring? Effects of immersion in nature on intrinsic aspirations and generosity. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 35(10), 1315-1329.

[3] Atchley, R. A., Strayer, D. L., & Atchley, P. (2012). Creativity in the wild: Improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PloS one, 7(12), e51474.

[4] Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2010). The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 18-26.

[5] Whitburn, J., Linklater, W., & Abrahamse, W. (2020). Meta‐analysis of human connection to nature and proenvironmental behavior. Conservation Biology, 34(1), 180-193.