Productivity Improves After Being Outdoors

A recent survey of 2,000 employees revealed that it really does not take long to enjoy the benefits of being around nature, especially if one takes a step outside during work breaks. Nearly 3 in 5 managers believe that their staff has become more productive since transitioning to remote work from home which allows employees to utilize outdoor breaks and flexibility in their schedules more so than in a standard office setting.

Keeping these tangible business benefits in mind half of the managers have started to implement more flexible working conditions that will actually encourage employees to work outside more often, and another 28% plan to take similar steps in the near future. 

This research conducted by OnePoll was commissioned by Lenovo, and the company also asked a psychologist to construct a Recommended Daily Nature Allowance Guide to help the employees enjoy the wellbeing benefits from 20 active minutes spent in nature to 40 mindful minutes and an hour spent working outside. 

Some are worried that the increased productivity may be for another reason as 6 in 10 employees feel guilty about taking any break while working remotely, and many are skipping lunches which may be one of the reasons behind the increase; to help avoid burnout an RDNA will help employees get outside for some fresh air and a break to clear their minds and stay on track. 

“Increased flexibility at work means that people can adjust better to increasing demands and find a balance. Spending some time outside in a green space is good for mind, body and soul,” explains psychologist Honey Langcaster-James. “Just 20 minutes of active time outside can generally improve our health and wellbeing. That can lead to improved concentration as well as help you generate ideas and be more productive – so it’s a no-brainer to try to find ways to get your RDNA in.”

40% of the survey employees reported feeling more productive at work if they are able to get in a jog or workout before beginning their day, and 40% report trying to break a sweat during short excursions outside during the day. 62% report finding it very helpful to step outside periodically during the day for a few moments to clear their heads, and others say they enjoy going outside just to stretch their legs or get a change of scenery to break up the day.

Before the restrictions and shutdowns the average worker spent 60 minutes outside on a daily basis, this number has since increased to 75 minutes per day outside. 56% of the surveyed employees report that they have made it a newfound priority to spend some time outside every day. 

84% of the respondents report that whenever offices reopen to recalls, maintaining a flexible schedule will be important to staying happy and motivated with 30% wanting to remain working remotely for 4 days per week, and another 64% wanting to remain working remotely from home on a permanent basis. 

For some people working from home, it may be hard to get outdoors to be in nature due to the colder temperatures and inhospitable chilling winter icy conditions, but the brave will still zip up a warm coat because it is still worth it. 

“That can lead to improved concentration as well as help you generate ideas and be more productive – so it’s a no-brainer to try to find ways to get your RDNA in. It’s not always easy, particularly in the colder months, and many people need to leave home to find some green space, but there are ways you can organize your daily life so that you can increase your exposure to nature. Even if it’s just a case of mixing up your office environment with working outside for a period of time each day while the weather is good,” says Langcaster-James.