With employee retention being such a hot-button topic at the moment, making sure your employees are happy and healthy has never been more important. Investing in the wellbeing of your workforce is absolutely critical if you want to not only get the best performance out of them, but also keep them engaged with your company and your goals. But did you know that not all of that has to be done inside the office, or by HR? In fact, one of the ways you can boost employee wellbeing can be found right outside your front door – in your grounds. But why would well-maintained grounds help with employee wellbeing?
Promoting Wellness
We’ve talked before about the benefits being outdoors can have for your mental health, and the health of your employees. And one of the best ways to see this benefit in your employees is by making the grounds of your business a nice place to spend time.
Encouraging employees to spend time outdoors promotes both physical and mental wellness. Having a well-designed and maintained outdoor space is a great way to provide opportunities for exercise, stretching, walking and reflecting. You could choose to install walking paths, a place for employees to move during breaks, or even outdoor fitness equipment! Plus, the exposure to natural light and fresh air helps us regulate our sleep patterns, improves our moods and increases energy levels. It can also help relieve the symptoms of some mental health conditions, including seasonal depression, and some employees will prefer to work under natural light instead of artificial. All of which leads to a happier, more productive workforce.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
A beautifully landscaped outdoor area can work wonders to enhance the overall atmosphere of a workplace and leave a lasting impression on both visitors and employees who work in it every day. A well-groomed garden can reflect very positively on your company’s brand values, showcasing your levels of care, attention to detail and professionalism. Overall, it creates a welcoming environment that employees are proud to be a part of, enhancing their overall satisfaction in their jobs.
Enhance Morale and Happiness
Research has shown that access to nature and green spaces can have a positive effect on mental health and well-being. By providing employees with a well-maintained garden or outdoor area, companies can create a tranquil retreat where staff can unwind, relax, and recharge during breaks. This connection with nature has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, ultimately leading to happier and more engaged employees.
Foster Collaboration and Creativity
Beyond individual well-being, there are some other workplace benefits you can see from having well-maintained grounds. A pleasant outdoor environment can be an ideal catalyst for collaboration and creativity. After all, meetings don’t have to be constrained to PowerPoint presentations! Participation is key for a good meeting, and holding it in an outdoor space leaves so much more room for creativity. Plus it makes a nice change from traditional meeting rooms, bringing fresh inspiration and fostering innovation. Whether it’s a brainstorming session under the shade of a tree, or a team-building activity in the open air, outdoor spaces encourage better communication and teamwork among employees. You’d be surprised how much more productive and energised meetings become when they’re done outdoors!
At Pod Landscapes we love helping business owners achieve and maintain grounds that look beautiful all year around. We specialise in regular maintenance plans, which provide you with a range of gardening and grounds maintenance services that will keep your grounds in great condition. Whether that’s leaf clearance, new planting or hedge trimming, we keep every inch of your grounds in tip-top condition. If you’d like to know more, just get in touch with the team today.
