Working outdoors can improve employee well-being
How do you feel when you step outside? Refreshed? Calm? Happy? That feeling of bliss isn’t just in your head.
At our core, humans have a biological connection to nature. This phenomenon is called biophilia. First introduced by Edward O. Wilson in 1984, the term describes how humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other living things. It helps explain why we enjoy a sunny spot at the windowsill, a lush garden, or an ocean breeze.
In the book Biophilic Design: Theory, Science and Practice, the authors share that connecting with nature is essential to our well-being and our ability to be productive. Incorporating elements of nature into work environments can reduce stress, enhance creativity and increase productivity. As more companies learn about the benefits of biophilic design, the outdoors is finding its way into the design of modern office buildings. This emerging architectural movement has been embraced by tech giants including Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.