Nature at Work: A Nature-Based Health Promotion Model
Nature at Work is a practical, evidence-informed model that helps employers activate nature in the workplace—improving wellbeing across every level of an organization.
This nature-based health promotion model is built around four core pillars and supported by the Nature-Based Wellness Wheel—a personal health framework that connects nature to whole-person wellbeing.
The Four Pillars
01 | Built Environment
Designing workspaces that support health, focus, and connection.
Research shows that environments rich in natural elements—both indoors and out—can reduce stress, boost productivity, and improve mood. Biophilic design, green spaces, and access to daylight all support mental and physical health at work.
Research shows that environments rich in natural elements—both indoors and out—can reduce stress, boost productivity, and improve mood. Biophilic design, green spaces, and access to daylight all support mental and physical health at work.
02 | Nature-Based Wellness Strategies & Practices
Integrating nature into daily routines for whole-person wellbeing.
Engaging with nature—through movement, mindfulness, or reflection—has been shown to improve physical health, reduce anxiety and depression, and support long-term behavior change. These accessible practices can benefit employees across roles and settings.
Engaging with nature—through movement, mindfulness, or reflection—has been shown to improve physical health, reduce anxiety and depression, and support long-term behavior change. These accessible practices can benefit employees across roles and settings.
03 | Volunteerism & Community Stewardship
Connecting people to purpose, place, and one another.
Volunteering in natural settings boosts mental health, cognitive function, and immune strength. It also deepens employees’ sense of purpose, belonging, and connection to their local community.
Volunteering in natural settings boosts mental health, cognitive function, and immune strength. It also deepens employees’ sense of purpose, belonging, and connection to their local community.
04 | Education & Awareness
Building a culture that understands and values-nature’s role in wellbeing.
Raising awareness around nature-based health not only inspires engagement, but also creates a shared culture of wellbeing. Education campaigns, storytelling, and experiential learning are all powerful ways to connect teams with the benefits of nature.
Raising awareness around nature-based health not only inspires engagement, but also creates a shared culture of wellbeing. Education campaigns, storytelling, and experiential learning are all powerful ways to connect teams with the benefits of nature.
Nature-Based Wellness Wheel
The Nature-Based Wellness Wheel is a holistic model that explores how nature supports health across eight dimensions of wellbeing. These dimensions appear throughout the pillars and can be activated in multiple ways across teams, organizations, and communities.
Physical Wellbeing
Boost energy, fitness, and vitality through outdoor movement.
Occupational Wellbeing
Improve focus and balance through nature-integrated workspaces.
Environmental Wellbeing
Support a healthier world by protecting natural environments.
Spiritual Wellbeing
Enhance meaning and mindfulness in nature’s quiet spaces.
Emotional Wellbeing
Ease stress and lift mood through time in natural settings.
Social Wellbeing
Strengthen relationships through shared outdoor experiences.
Intellectual Wellbeing
Fuel curiosity and mental clarity through time in nature.
Financial Wellbeing
Reduce costs and stress through simple, nature-aligned living.
