Employee Engagement and Rewards 

Using Nature to Inspire and Motivate Teams

Let’s face it friends, this is one fast business climate in which we find ourselves, so engaging employees and keeping them motivated is more challenging than ever. While effective to an extent, traditional incentives like bonuses and promotions are no longer enough to sustain long-term enthusiasm and commitment. To truly inspire and energize teams, companies are turning to a surprisingly simple yet powerful resource: nature. Incorporating nature into engagement and reward strategies can foster a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and satisfaction among employees, leading to a more cohesive and dynamic workforce.

The Power of Nature: Beyond Monetary Rewards

While financial incentives are important, they often fail to address the deeper needs that drive human behavior—such as the desire for fulfillment, connection, and personal growth. Nature-based rewards and activities tap into these intrinsic motivations by providing experiences that resonate on a more personal and emotional level. Research shows that time spent in natural settings can reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall well-being. These benefits extend beyond the individual, fostering a more positive and collaborative work environment.

Consider the example of Google, which offers its employees not just attractive compensation packages but also unique nature-centric perks like access to on-campus gardens and outdoor activities. This approach helps employees feel valued and cared for, not just as workers but as whole individuals. It’s a strategy that goes beyond financial rewards, acknowledging that true engagement stems from a sense of balance and well-being.

Nature-Based Rewards: A New Paradigm

Innovative companies are reimagining how they reward and engage their teams by integrating nature into their incentive programs. These rewards go beyond traditional perks and create memorable experiences that strengthen team bonds and foster a deeper connection to the company culture.

1. Outdoor Retreats and Team-Building Activities: Organizing retreats in natural settings, such as national parks or beach resorts, offers employees a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with each other. Activities like hiking, kayaking, or even outdoor yoga sessions provide opportunities for relaxation, collaboration, and reflection. Such experiences can reignite passion for work and foster a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to achieve within the confines of an office.
2. Nature-Infused Wellness Programs: Companies can offer wellness programs that incorporate nature-based activities, such as guided meditation sessions in a garden, nature photography workshops, or gardening classes. These programs not only promote physical health but also encourage mindfulness and creativity, helping employees manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
3. Green Spaces as Rewards: Transforming parts of the workplace into green spaces where employees can take breaks, hold informal meetings, or even work remotely for a change of scenery can be a powerful reward in itself. These areas can be designed as rooftop gardens, courtyard lounges, or even indoor green zones with living walls and water features. Such spaces offer a daily retreat from the pressures of work, making employees feel valued and rejuvenated.
4. Experiential Incentives: Instead of traditional gifts or vouchers, consider offering experiences that involve nature. This could include ski passes, memberships to botanical gardens, or vouchers for outdoor adventure activities. These experiences not only serve as rewards but also encourage employees to spend time in nature, benefiting their overall well-being.

The Employee Perspective: Feeling Valued and Motivated

From an employee’s point of view, nature-based rewards and engagement initiatives can transform the work experience. Take Rachel, a marketing executive at a company that recently introduced a nature-focused wellness program. “I used to think of rewards as just bonuses or extra vacation days,” she says. “But now, being given the chance to participate in activities like forest hikes or yoga retreats has been amazing. It’s not just about getting a break; it’s about feeling truly cared for.”

This sense of being valued as a whole person, not just as an employee, can significantly boost morale and motivation. Employees who feel supported in their well-being are more likely to stay engaged, go the extra mile, and remain loyal to their organization. They become more than just participants in a company’s success—they become advocates for its culture and values.

The Role of Leadership: Cultivating a Culture of Engagement

Leaders play a pivotal role in integrating nature into engagement and reward strategies. By championing these initiatives, they set the tone for a culture that prioritizes holistic well-being and recognizes the diverse needs of its workforce. This can involve everything from redesigning office spaces to include more natural elements to actively promoting outdoor activities and breaks.

Leaders at companies like Salesforce have embraced this philosophy, encouraging employees to take regular breaks outdoors and offering wellness days specifically for engaging in nature-based activities. This approach not only improves employee satisfaction but also demonstrates a commitment to their overall well-being, building trust and fostering a deeper connection to the organization.

 Overcoming Challenges: Making Nature-Based Engagement Accessible

While nature-based engagement and rewards offer numerous benefits, implementing these strategies can be challenging, especially for companies in urban areas or with limited budgets. However, there are creative solutions that can make these benefits accessible to all employees:

1. Utilize Nearby Green Spaces: Even in urban environments, there are often parks, rooftop gardens, or nature reserves nearby. Organize group walks, picnics, or outdoor meetings in these spaces to provide a break from the typical office environment.
2. Incorporate Virtual Experiences: For remote teams or those who can’t access outdoor spaces easily, consider virtual nature experiences. This could include guided virtual hikes, live-streamed nature tours, or even virtual reality experiences that simulate natural environments.
3. Create Indoor Nature Zones: If outdoor space is not an option, bring nature inside. Create dedicated areas in the office with natural light, plants, and nature-inspired artwork where employees can relax or collaborate. These spaces can serve as mini retreats that offer a sense of escape and rejuvenation.
4. Promote Flexible Working: Allow employees the flexibility to work from locations that offer a connection to nature, whether it’s a home office with a view of a garden or a local café with outdoor seating. This flexibility can significantly enhance engagement and productivity.

The ROI of Nature-Based Engagement: Beyond Employee Satisfaction

Investing in nature-based engagement and reward strategies is not just about creating a happier workforce; it’s also about improving business outcomes. Engaged employees are more productive, more creative, and less likely to leave, reducing turnover costs and fostering a more stable and motivated team.

A study by the Gallup Organization found that companies with high employee engagement levels have 21% higher profitability, 41% lower absenteeism, and 59% lower turnover. These benefits are even more pronounced when engagement strategies include elements that promote well-being, such as nature-based initiatives.

Redefining Engagement for a Healthier, Happier Workforce

As organizations seek to build resilient, high-performing teams, the need for innovative engagement and reward strategies has never been greater. Nature offers a powerful, accessible tool for inspiring and motivating employees, fostering a deeper sense of connection and well-being that goes beyond traditional incentives.

By integrating nature into the very fabric of engagement strategies—through outdoor retreats, nature-based wellness programs, and biophilic office designs—companies can create a workplace culture where employees feel truly valued and motivated. It’s a strategy that nurtures not just the body and mind but the spirit, fostering a workforce that is not only productive but also genuinely thriving.

So, how can your organization harness the power of nature to engage and reward your team? It’s time to think beyond the usual perks and consider how the natural world can inspire and elevate your workforce.

Building a Strong and Engaged Team: Strategies for Success

By Evan Hackel

A strong, engaged team is the backbone of any successful organization. My new book Ingaging Leadership: The Ultimate Edition offers strategies for building such a team. In this book, I provide insights and practical advice on how to create a cohesive and motivated team that drives organizational success. By implementing these strategies, leaders can foster a positive work environment and achieve their business goals.

Key Strategies:

• Recruit the Right People: Hire individuals who align with the company’s values and culture. This ensures that team members share a common vision and are committed to the organization’s mission. Look for candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a willingness to collaborate with others.
• Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage teamwork and open communication. Create opportunities for team members to work together on projects and share ideas. Promote a culture of trust and respect, where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and contributing to the team’s success.
• Provide Opportunities for Growth: Offer training and development programs to help employees advance their careers. Invest in professional development initiatives that enhance employees’ skills and knowledge. Encourage continuous learning and provide resources for personal and professional growth.

Practical Tips:

• Set Clear Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for the team. Ensure that all team members understand their role and responsibilities. Regularly review and adjust goals to keep the team focused and motivated.
• Encourage Feedback: Create a culture where feedback is valued and acted upon. Encourage team members to provide constructive feedback to one another and to management. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement and to celebrate successes.
• Recognize Achievements: Celebrate team successes to boost morale and motivation. Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments through awards, public recognition, and other forms of appreciation. Recognizing achievements helps to reinforce positive behaviors and encourages continued excellence.

In Conclusion . . .

Building a strong and engaged team is essential for organizational success. By implementing the strategies and practical tips outlined in Ingaging Leadership: The Ultimate Edition, leaders can create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, growth, and achievement. To learn more about creating an engaged team, consider buying my book here.