In case you forgot, we relocated to the Charlotte area one year ago (as of October 18th), and I am still working 100% in my home office, unless I am at a client site for a period of time each week/month. Similar to where we lived in Raleigh, we are in a location that is extremely dog-friendly (Tiger especially loves this), and I have been enjoying taking him on a walk at noon each day, weather-permitting. Our complex is “connected” to another complex by a walking path and bridge, both complexes have sidewalks that make a perimeter walk doable, and our complex has a fountain at the entrance just like theirs. So, our daily routine is called the fountain-to-fountain walk and Tiger gets so excited when I grab the leash! I am not sure if he realizes it, but I am equally excited because this moment each day gives me a much-needed break from my laptop AND energizes me to have a productive afternoon.
A study commissioned by Lenovo and conducted by OnePoll in 2020 revealed that office workers’ productivity can increase by up to 45% after spending just 29 minutes outdoors. The survey, which included 2,000 office employees and 1,000 managers/supervisors, found that 63% of participants reported feeling better after spending time in fresh air.
Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James, who contributed to the study, proposed a “Recommended Daily Nature Allowance” (RDNA) to guide individuals in incorporating outdoor time into their daily routines. Her recommendations include:
20 minutes of active movement outdoors (e.g., walking or jogging), or
40 minutes of mindful presence in a green space, or
60 minutes of work conducted outside in a nature-rich environment
These guidelines aim to enhance well-being and productivity by fostering a connection with nature.
The study also highlighted that 62% of employees find it helpful to step outside periodically during the day to clear their heads, and 40% engage in physical activities like jogging or stretching outdoors to boost productivity. In response to these findings, many organizations have adopted more flexible working conditions, encouraging employees to spend time outdoors. Approximately half of the surveyed managers have already implemented such practices, with an additional 28% planning to do so in the future.
In summary, incorporating just 29 minutes of outdoor time into the workday can lead to a significant increase in productivity and overall well-being, making it a simple yet effective strategy for enhancing workplace performance.