Nature at Work Model
- Built Environment:
Designing Work spaces that Support Health, Focus, and Connection
This pillar focuses on how physical spaces—indoor and outdoor—can be shaped to promote wellbeing. By designing spaces that bring people closer to nature, employers can reduce stress, support physical and mental wellbeing, and foster a more engaged, productive culture.
The research: Biophilic design and access to nature in the workplace are linked to improved focus, fewer sick days, and greater job satisfaction. Natural elements help reduce mental fatigue and support creativity, engagement, and productivity.
Indoor Environments: Biophilic Design at Work
Biophilic design integrates natural elements into indoor settings to create calming, inspiring, and health-promoting environments.
- Incorporating plants and greenery into shared spaces and individual workstations
- Using natural materials (wood, stone, water elements) in furniture, finishes, or decor
- Maximizing exposure to natural light and outdoor views
- Designing quiet zones or recharge areas with nature-inspired textures and imagery
- Enhancing indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and natural purifiers
- Exploring WELL Building Standards and certifications to align physical space with workforce health goals
Outdoor Environments: Making Nature Accessible
Outdoor spaces don’t need to be elaborate—they just need to be intentional. Accessible, welcoming green spaces promote movement, creativity, and connection throughout the workday.
- Creating shaded walking paths, meditation zones, or outdoor break areas
- Adding picnic tables, benches, and shaded seating to encourage time outside
- Designing edible gardens or pollinator-friendly plantings with employee involvement
- Building or enhancing existing green infrastructure (e.g., stormwater gardens, tree cover)
- Ensuring ADA-compliant access to outdoor spaces for all employees
Getting Started:
Start small: Even a few plants or an outdoor lunch area can spark culture change.
Listen to your team: Employee surveys can reveal what matters most.
Think seasonally: Update or rotate features with the seasons to keep spaces fresh and functional.
Collaborate locally: Landscape designers, green builders, and environmental planners can help bring your vision to life.
Want help bringing nature into your built environment?
We can connect you with trusted service providers through the SC Nature, Health & Business Group to help design healthier spaces for your team.
- Nature-Based Wellness Strategies & Practices
Integrating Nature into Daily Routines for Whole-Person Wellbeing
This pillar helps individuals and teams restore, refocus, and reconnect by integrating nature-based wellness strategies into the workplace. These practices—grounded in evidence and organized by the Nature-Based Wellness Wheel—address multiple dimensions of wellbeing through the power of nature.
Physical Wellbeing
The research: Spending time in nature encourages movement, boosts cardiovascular health, and supports immune function. Even light physical activity in natural environments can reduce fatigue, improve sleep quality, and enhance the body’s natural defense systems.
Workplace applications
- Walking meetings and green exercise breaks
- “Take it outside” campaigns
- Outdoor fitness programming
- On site or nearby trail maps and walking routes
Emotional Wellbeing
The research: Nature exposure is linked to reduced cortisol levels, lower anxiety, and improved mood. Even brief time in natural settings can help regulate emotional responses and reduce symptoms of stress and depression.
Workplace applications:
- Forest bathing and Blue Mind practices
- Nature journaling and expressive writing
- Restorative breaks with natural light and greenery
- Nature soundscapes or scent diffusers
Spiritual Wellbeing
The research: Nature evokes awe, meaning, and connectedness—key elements in cultivating resilience, purpose, and personal growth.
- Outdoor meditation or mindful walking
- Horticultural therapy and plant tending
- Sunrise reflections or intention walks
- Quiet outdoor “reflection spaces”
Social Wellbeing
The research: Group experiences in nature foster empathy, trust, and team bonding. Outdoor team activities help reduce loneliness and increase workplace cohesion.
- Group hikes or nature meetups
- Community gardens or plant-sharing
- Nature-based team-building
- Peer-led nature engagement challenges
Want help bringing nature into your wellness strategies?
We can connect you with trusted service providers through the SC Nature, Health & Business Group to help design and activate nature – based wellness practices for your employees.
- Volunteerism & Community Stewardship
Connecting People to Purpose, Place, and One Another
This pillar encourages employee engagement in conservation and community-based service to improve well-being and social impact.
The research: Volunteering in natural settings has been shown to boost mental health, reduce stress, and increase cognitive function. Participating in environmental stewardship also promotes a stronger sense of purpose, social connection, and community belonging—key drivers of resilience and wellbeing.
Strategies That Support Stewardship & Service
- Team Volunteer Days (trail cleanups, plantings, restoration)
- Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Environmental Impact Projects (gardens, green drives)
- Partnerships with nonprofits and conservation organizations
- Employee-led grassroots initiatives
Want help activating purpose-driven volunteer experiences?
We can connect you with trusted service providers through the SC Nature, Health & Business Group to help design and support community-based, conservation-oriented volunteer opportunities for your team.
- Education & Awareness
Building a Culture That Understands—and Values—Nature’s Role in Wellbeing
This pillar supports workplace transformation by helping people understand the connection between nature and health. Through campaigns, workshops, and knowledge-sharing, organizations can embed a culture of awareness and inspiration.
The research: Awareness and education are foundational for behavior change. Studies show that when people understand the benefits of nature for health, they are more likely to engage with it—and to support related workplace and community initiatives. Education builds a culture of shared responsibility, inspiration, and momentum.
Strategies to Promote Awareness
- Internal campaigns (signage, digital, seasonal challenges)
- Speaker events and expert-led workshops
- Storytelling (employee nature stories, peer spotlights)
- “Nature Near You” features (local trails, community organizations)
- Leadership modeling and visibility
Want help building a nature-savvy workplace culture?
We can connect you with trusted partners through the SC Nature, Health & Business Group to help design educational experiences, awareness campaigns, and storytelling strategies that inspire action and deepen understanding.