Hidden Benefits of Nature

At the TGS EMEA Brussels Conference, members from around the world came together to explore what it truly means to be ready. Each session highlighted one key truth: firms that innovate, collaborate, and stay ahead of change don’t just survive—they thrive.

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Can a walk in the park make you a better leader? Science says yes—and so do we. This session revealed the powerful, often overlooked impact of nature on business performance. From lower stress and higher creativity to stronger teams and clearer thinking, nature isn’t just nice to have—it’s a strategic resource for firms that want to thrive. Here are the key takeaways from our session on the Hidden Business Benefits of Nature

Nature is a science-backed business performance enhancer:

• Lowers cortisol (stress) by 16%
• Enhances creativity by up to 50%
• Boosts focus by 20%
• Improves general well-being & happiness by 12%
• Reduces depression & anxiety symptoms by 30%

The Outdoors Advantage:

• Being outdoors regularly helps reduce burnout, enhances strategic thinking, and supports leadership development.
• Nature is accessible, low-cost, and increases productivity and employee morale.
• Better decision-making, talent attraction, and team engagement.
• Nature-centric workplaces signal care for well-being and sustainability.

The Nature Pyramid framework and practical examples:

• Daily: Microdosing on nature, walking meetings, indoor plants, and window feeders.
• Weekly: Nature hours, weekend nature time, green pledges.
• Monthly: Photo challenges, volunteer days, nature speakers.
• Annual: Nature-related team-building (e.g., hikes, clean-ups), annual allowances for nature gear, sponsorships.

Microdosing Exercises:

• Focus on individual senses (sight, sound, touch) in a green space for ~5 minutes.
• Reconnect with nature in a childlike state of wonder (“awe effect”).

30-Day Nature Upgrade Challenge:

• Personal or team challenge to integrate nature exposure every day for a month.
• Builds resilience, energy, clarity, and organisational connection to ESG values.

Practical Ideas for Members

• Add nature moments to meetings (e.g., 10-min outdoor breaks)
• Encourage walking 1:1s or meetings
• Include a nature pledge or regular challenges in internal communication
• Offer nature-related benefits (e.g., nature allowance, outdoor team days)
• Share your nature-driven actions with us and on social media!