How Nature Boosts Team Performance: The Secret to Better Offsites
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, it’s easy for teams to get stuck in the same routines, meetings, and office walls. But what if the secret to unlocking creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing was as simple as stepping outside?
More and more companies are discovering the power of nature-based offsites. Whether it’s a day in the forest, or a walk through a park, or a cycling adventure, time outdoors can completely transform how teams connect and perform.
Team cycling from A Little Place to Stonehenge through scenic countryside, capturing teamwork, wellbeing, and the spirit of a nature-based corporate offsite.
The Science Behind It
Research shows that spending time in nature enhances focus, creativity, and problem-solving. A study by Trine Plambech and Cecil C. Konijnendijk van den Bosch (2015) found that exposure to natural environments significantly boosts creative thinking among professionals. Participants reported feeling more inspired, energised, and open to new ideas after time spent outdoors.
This isn’t just about taking a break from the office. Nature helps our brains rest and reset, allowing us to return to work with fresh perspectives and renewed motivation.
Why It Matters Even More for Remote Teams
For those working remotely, the need to connect in person and with nature is even greater. When your home becomes your office, it’s easy to spend entire days sitting at a desk, moving from one virtual meeting to the next. Over time, that lack of physical movement and real-world connection can drain creativity and energy.
Nature-based offsites offer a powerful antidote. They give remote teams the chance to reconnect face-to-face, strengthen relationships, and recharge in a setting that naturally encourages openness and collaboration. Stepping away from screens and into nature helps people feel grounded again, which is essential for long-term wellbeing and team cohesion.
How to Plan a Nature-Based Offsite
You don’t need to plan an elaborate retreat to see the benefits. Start small:
Hold your next strategy session outdoors.
Organise a walking meeting in a nearby park.
Plan a quarterly offsite in a natural setting that encourages reflection and connection.
The key is to create space for your team to breathe, think, and connect away from the usual distractions. I can hear you thinking ‘but we don’t want to risk the weather.’ Its simple, you can prepare for anything, so don’t let barriers get in the way.
Final Thoughts
Nature offers a simple yet powerful way to boost team performance. By taking your next offsite outdoors, you’re not just changing the scenery, you’re changing the energy, creativity, and connection within your team. And for remote teams especially, that reconnection can make all the difference.
Reference:
Trine Plambech, Cecil C. Konijnendijk van den Bosch, The impact of nature on creativity – A study among Danish creative professionals, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Volume 14, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 255–263.