Gen Z office workers have called for a ‘green day’ outside once a month to support their mental health.
Young British workers say the nine to five, along with grey offices and too much screen time is leaving them feeling depressed, trapped and cut off from the real world.
The poll of 2,000 UK office workers, commissioned by organic and plant-based food company, Ecotone, found that younger generations are increasingly desperate to swap desks for the great outdoors, with half (48 per cent) even calling for a monthly paid ‘Green Day’ off work to reconnect with nature. According to the research, 88 per cent of Gen Z office workers say that working inside all day has a negative impact on their mental health, with a further 30 per cent admitting they feel ‘trapped’ behind walls and screens. Almost nine in 10 (89 per cent) go a step further and say that working in an office is more stressful than inspiring.
It’s no surprise that 36 per cent of those aged 18-29 say being trapped in the office all day is depressing and makes them anxious (25 per cent), with 83 per cent worrying that they are spending too much of their life indoors. On average, British office workers spend more than 12 hours inside during a typical working day, leaving them feeling sluggish (60 per cent), tired (56 per cent), frustrated (33 per cent) and stressed (31 per cent). Two thirds (63 per cent) say they are spending more time indoors now compared to three years ago.
When asked about their ideal working environment, 91 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial workers said they would prefer to work outside or in nature at least some of the time, which they believe would increase their productivity by as much as 52 per cent and 51 per cent respectively. A further 49 per cent admit that they would be more likely to stay in a job if given them time off to spend in nature or volunteering for an environmental cause. However, despite a potential boost in productivity, 67 per cent complain their employer currently does nothing to encourage time outdoors during the working week.
In response to the findings, Ecotone, which owns Clipper Teas and Kallo, has announced plans to launch ‘Green Leave’, a new paid time-off initiative designed to help employees reconnect with nature while supporting the planet. The scheme would offer non-manufacturing staff three days of paid leave per year to volunteer with an environmental charity allowing them to learn more about nature, give back to the environment and spend time outdoors. To deliver the initiative, Ecotone is partnering with The Tree Council as a Tree Partner to help its team get outdoors and spend time amongst trees and nature. Employees will support community planting projects to plant and care for trees, hedgerows and orchards, whilst learning new outdoor skills and take part in nature-based experiences.
Sara Lom, Chief Executive at The Tree Council, commented: “The mental and physical health benefits of spending time outside in green spaces are huge. It’s easy to take nature for granted, but trees and hedgerows are our truly unsung heroes – they help tackle climate change, provide homes for thousands of species of precious wildlife, support our health and wellbeing, and so much more. By joining our Tree Partners programme, Ecotone is helping to grow a greener, tree-filled future and their teams get to spend some time outside. We’d love to see more employers giving their teams some regular paid time to give back to people, nature, and our planet.”
