Office working can mean rigid office layouts with small computer screens, dull cubicle walls, bad posture, lack of natural light and noisy coworkers — just some of the less-than-glamorous things you might associate with working in an office setting. Spend 40 years working in that environment and it will take its toll on people. Instead, some corporate office buildings can help employees think about natural sunshine, outdoor meetings, grounding themselves at break times and engaging the five senses.
Corporate gardens have the opportunity to be thoughtfully designed and maintained as interactive landscapes. Well-documented research has proven that there are multiple therapeutic benefits of landscapes and gardens on human health and wellbeing. A University of Michigan study published in 2008 found that more time spent outside in close proximity to plants can help increase memory retention by up to 20 percent. Studies have also shown that time spent in and around plants can increase an employee's attention span to improve concentration and productivity. This means all employers can help improve human issues such as social isolation, stress, depression, sleep disturbance, and cognitive distortion / error.
What Is a corporate garden?
A corporate garden is an outdoor space designed and maintained by a corporation or business to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the office building, provide a space for employees to relax, and promote environmental sustainability. Corporate gardens can take many forms, ranging from urban landscaping and vertical gardens to ground-level gardens, rooftop gardens and city courtyards.
The aesthetic of a corporate garden is meant to promote a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. In delivering a harmonious balance the five senses - see, hear, touch, smell and even taste - are carefully considered. Corporate gardens that encourage employees to prune, pluck or pick up a watering can play an essential role in helping reduce employee stress. Whether used for a quick lunchtime break or a stroll, a well-designed corporate garden can provide employees and visitors with a much-needed respite from the stresses of the workplace or daily commute.
The four key considerations when building a sustainable corporate garden
1. Native plant selection for biodiversity: Selecting predominantly native plants which require less water for corporate gardens promotes biodiversity, supports local ecosystems, and contributes to the overall resilience of our environment. This means choosing plants indigenous to the region, which have adapted to local climate conditions. Fostering habitats for native wildlife, attracting beneficial insects and creating a balanced ecosystem are key components of biodiversity. Reduced reliance on pesticides and fertilisers, once planted, promotes the natural ecosystem balance to thrive. Reduced dependency on water, feeding and maintenance means natural adaptation creates a visually appealing and sustainable landscape.
2. Water conservation strategies: Efficient water use is a cornerstone of sustainable gardening, helping to conserve a precious resource and minimise environmental impact. Installing smart irrigation systems which adjust based on weather conditions and plant needs means only essential watering is conducted. Integrated rainwater harvesting systems will also capture and utilise natural rainfall, which is better for plants than harsh chemically adjusted tap water. Using drought-resistant plants and plants that can handle damp winters alongside dry summers is a newer global warming trend testing our environment of late. Shaded areas with trees also help reduce the effects of drying direct sunlight. Deploying smart mulching techniques to retain soil moisture and supress weeds (without adding plastic weed membrane) to borders will help conserve moisture. Reducing water wastage mitigates the environmental impact of increasing water consumption by creating resilient corporate gardens that can thrive with minimal water input.
3. Employee well-being through biophilic garden design: Incorporating biophilic design principles in corporate gardens ultimately enhances employee well-being by connecting people with nature, reducing stress, and boosting overall mental health. This means designing workspaces with ample natural light and views of greenery from within buildings to foster a sense of connection with the natural environment. Integrating restful green exterior spaces with seating for mindfulness breaks and relaxation spaces contributes to a positive and health-supportive work culture. Planted corporate gardens improve air quality and create a vibrant thriving atmosphere to either calm or invigorate, boosting morale, productivity, and creativity.
4. Contributing towards a carbon neutral business: By working with Carbon Neutral Britain, the UK’s leading offsetting initiative provider, to offset environmental impact of corporate activity means a successful business is also a socially responsible business. This includes being dedicated to playing a part in protecting the environment, supporting the community and making sustainable choices. It also means that corporates value colleagues and their welfare, putting policies into practice to make sure they are an employer of choice in their field. For many, the three fundamental principles for doing the right thing mean: a) Adopting SMART green sustainability approaches; b) Supporting colleagues with a beautiful environment focused on health and wellbeing; and c) Contributing to the community, especially in built and/ or industrial corporate landscapes, with green spaces for humans and nature to enjoy. After all, small changes to corporate lifestyle can make a big difference to the planet.
A clear overarching design focus is paramount
Therapeutic garden design involves attention to many considerations connected with the character and position of the site and its surroundings to achieve a sense of place. Artistic consideration and practical need of horticulture must synchronise to establish a cohesive end design which looks good all year and provides visual unity. Simplicity in design should be of paramount importance and complexity should be avoided. Each particular site presents a challenge in relation to soil, position, environment and the use of space which is in proportion and scaled to its surroundings. The natural grade of the ground should be taken as a guide, rather than deploying earth moving to reshape the landscape. The ground should be so designed that the entire garden is not visible at a glance. Winding is better than long and straight for garden paths with bench seating, as a winding axis reveals focal points of interest as the space is navigated on foot. Variety in any garden provides the greatest pleasure, however it should be dependent on available space.
Planted areas to stimulate and relax
There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that sitting underneath trees and hedges can have a profound effect on people’s well-being. From purifying the air we breathe to offering shade on sunny days, we can credit trees and hedges with a lot of great health benefits. Dappled light and the sound of wind rustling leaves as chattering birds dart from tree to bird feeder to hedge really connect people to nature. Although there will be a need for commercial landscapers to build and maintain the garden to the highest standards, there’s no reason why employees can’t pick up a trowel if they need a break from work. Helping to build and maintain planted borders is a brilliant way to encourage light relief from the working day, lifting the general mood and wellbeing of the office. Planting design is better to have masses of single colour rather than mixture of colours. for example, a bed of same colour has a much softer tone and beauty, than a bed containing a mixture of clashing colours. Edibles interspersed amongst herbaceous planting delivers a most satisfying means of creating interest in the garden which you can taste.
Built structures where less is more
Surfaces can provide a mixture of textures to capture light, provide contrasting sensations from rough to smooth when walking or touching them. A corporate garden should have simple, robust places for people to rest, meet and eat. The structure of a corporate garden is typically designed to create a sense of serenity and relaxation. Walkways and paths are often installed to guide visitors through the space, while benches and seating areas are strategically placed to encourage contemplation and reflection. Water features such as fountains or small ponds can also be added to create a calming atmosphere and provide a focal point for the garden.
In conclusion, sustainable gardening in corporate settings is a powerful vehicle for demonstrating environmental responsibility to clients as part of corporate social responsibility and carbon neutral strategies to offset business activities. When combined with fostering employee engagement to help build teams, provide a better workplace and supporting improved employee well-being. By focusing on a couple of main principles, companies can cultivate thriving green spaces to achieve a lot more than simply enhancing property aesthetics - they contribute to a healthier, sustainable, biodiverse and eco-conscious future.
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