The Nature of Happiness

In my travels I am often surprised by how many of us work in workspaces, like cupboards. Internal, no views, void of calmness just a sole focus on doing business.

While that may work for a while, have you ever thought how 'un-natural' it is for man NOT to be around nature in the workplace. Our whole evolution as a species is inextricably linked to nature, yet we often try and remove it from our indoor environments.

Research indicates that we spend 90% of our time indoors, 7% travelling in a car and only 3% outdoors so today I'd like to try an experiment. Do something for yourself to stay grounded in nature. Go for a walk at lunch time, look at a view, water your pot plants, enjoy a garden and I'd love to hear your comments. How did this make you feel?

This has been prompted by Prof Mardie Townsend's (Deakin University) paper where she examined how plants affect people's health. She establishes not surprisingly that humans require contact with nature for many reasons including our general well being.

There is further evidence in the emerging science field of positive psychology where 'getting grounded' can often be used to managing stress in the workplace, even going so far as used in the treatment of patients with clinical depression. One study found that patients recovering from gall bladder operations recovered more quickly with a natural view (Ulrich 1984) and natural environments have been found to foster recovery from mental fatigue and are restorative. (Kaplan 1995)

So when you weigh up the evidence and our love of nature it is a bit strange that we introduce artificial plants to indoor offices or, devoid ourselves of the experience of working around nature. No longer should plants been seen as decorative add-ons, rather they are an important tool that aides in workplace happiness, well being and productivity. Next blog I'll examine some case studies of happy offices and why.

Blog written by Katy Patrick also known as @happinessatwork on twitter. Katy looks after TPR group clients in Ryde and Canberra. TPR is a national franchise network dedicated to providing healthy office corporate services for businesses around Australia with a focus on assisting employee happiness, well being and productivity in the workplace. For more information visit TPR Group