Book Now!You don’t need to be deep in a forest or standing on a mountaintop to feel the benefits of nature. Just a few plants, a view of the outdoors, or a walk around the block can shift your mindset. In the workplace, these small touches of nature can have a surprisingly big impact—especially when it comes to creativity, innovation, and employee well-being.
As companies continue to rethink what a modern, healthy workplace should look like, more attention is being paid to how nature can support employee mental health, productivity, and workplace creativity. This isn’t just a passing trend or a wellness buzzword—it’s backed by science.
There’s a growing body of research showing that exposure to nature improves mood, reduces stress, and supports cognitive function. When it comes to creativity and mental clarity, time spent in or around nature has been shown to boost divergent thinking—the kind of open-ended, idea-generating thinking that fuels innovation.
A 2012 study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who spent four days in nature—without access to technology—saw a 50% increase in creative problem-solving abilities. Even brief interactions with natural elements, like indoor plants or views of greenery, can help restore attention and reduce mental fatigue.
Nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the brain shift out of stress mode. This cognitive reset clears space for new ideas, deeper focus, and more innovative thinking.
“Spending time in nature can improve attention spans and creative problem-solving by as much as 50%,” says Dr. David Strayer, cognitive psychologist at the University of Utah.
Biophilic design—the practice of incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces—is changing the way we think about office design. It’s more than adding a few potted plants. It’s about designing spaces that reconnect people with the natural world through materials, patterns, light, and layout.
Examples of biophilic design in the workplace include:
The global architecture firm Gensler found that employees working in biophilic-designed environments reported 15% higher levels of well-being and were 6% more productive than those in traditional office spaces.
And it makes sense—when people feel more relaxed and mentally clear, they tend to think more creatively, solve problems faster, and collaborate more easily.
Sometimes, the best ideas happen when we’re nowhere near our desks. Outdoor meetings and offsite retreats in nature provide a change of scenery that can spark fresh thinking and support stronger team dynamics.
Even simple changes—like holding a 1:1 walking meeting in a nearby park or brainstorming on a patio—can shift energy and improve focus. These kinds of meetings tend to feel more relaxed, encouraging open communication and better idea flow.
Larger companies are going even further. Patagonia, for example, holds many of its meetings outdoors, and employees are encouraged to surf during breaks. This culture of valuing nature is credited with helping the company maintain high levels of innovation and employee engagement.
Research supports this too. A 2021 study by the University of Exeter found that employees who spent more time outside during the workday had significantly higher levels of creative engagement and job satisfaction.
The link between nature and employee mental health is well-established. Time in green spaces lowers cortisol levels, supports nervous system regulation, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even small, everyday interactions with nature—like looking out a window at trees—can make a difference.
These moments of calm aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for long-term productivity and engagement. When employees feel mentally well and emotionally supported, they’re more motivated, more collaborative, and more committed to their work.
In fact, a study from Human Spaces found that employees working in environments with natural elements reported a 15% increase in well-being and a 6% increase in productivity. They also expressed 13% higher levels of creativity.
For companies, integrating nature into the workplace is a low-cost, high-return investment in people.
Forward-thinking companies are embedding nature into their culture—not just through interior design, but through programs, policies, and community partnerships. Here are a few ways businesses are making it happen:
One standout example isalesforce Tower in San Francisco, which features 55,000 square feet of outdoor terraces and garden spaces. The company reports that these areas are key to fostering creativity and connection among teams.
Not every business has access to lush green space or the budget for a rooftop garden. But even in dense urban environments or tight office layouts, there are accessible ways to introduce nature:
Often, the biggest shift is cultural—not physical. When leadership values and encourages contact with nature, even small changes can create a more balanced, inspired environment.
Nature isn’t a luxury. It’s a powerful tool for unlocking creativity, improving mental health, and building more connected workplaces.
Whether it’s through biophilic office design, outdoor team meetin, or simply encouraging walks during lunch, small steps toward integrating nature can have lasting effects on how people feel and function at work.
And as more companies look for ways to support innovation and well-being, nature offers a clear path forward—grounded, accessible, and refreshingly human.
