Research shows that a having access to green spaces at work significantly boosts employee well-being, reduces stress, enhances innovative potential, and encourages a sense of connection. Yet most of us don’t take a lunch break, never mind spend time with nature.

Nature-based activities help people who are experiencing mental health problems and contribute to a reduction in their levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s new wellbeing program ‘Go Wild in the workplace’ is an initiative aimed at businesses to add value to the workplace, and introduce staff to a world of wellbeing just outside the office window.

Activities are based around the interests of the participants and the nature of the green space on site. This could include easily accessible engagement activities like bird or flower ID, through to hands on conservation activities like hedge laying or meadow planting.

Sam Salisbury, Corporate Partnerships Manager said: “It’s important that we all talk about mental health in the workplace and together look at ways that we can help reduce stress amongst our colleagues. Fun, nature-based activities do just that and that’s why we have designed a program that aims to reconnect staff by working together in an outdoor environment. A connection to nature makes us healthier and happier, and a connection to the workplace makes us more effective in our roles.”

If this is something your business would like to be involved in or for more information on the program, contact Sam Salisbury on 01948 820728 or ssalisbury@cheshirewt.org.uk

ENDS