It takes inspiration from ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices that call on nature’s healing qualities and was created as a remedy for what the Japanese call “Karoshi” (literally translated as “overwork death”). Essentially, it’s purpose was to reduce stress and boost immunity among the frazzled workers who found themselves disconnected from nature in the ever-expanding concrete jungle.
Why is good mental health necessary?
The practice followed a series of studies by the Japanese government to understand the benefits of spending time in forests. What they discovered was a huge positive impact on the people who bathed beneath the woodland canopy. The studies showed a reduction in stress, lower blood pressure and an improved mood among the participants. They also discovered an increase in Natural Killer (NK) cells, which leads to an increase in immunity. This boost to NK cells comes from the phytoncides (essential oils) produced by the trees themselves and is particularly beneficial for fighting tumours and viruses.
As a result of forest bathing, Japanese office workers not only felt better about themselves, but they also became physically healthier. It’s little wonder then, that Shinrin Yoku trails began popping up among Japan’s many forests throughout the 1990s. In fact, in 2006, The Akaisawa Forest was designated as a Forest Therapy Centre, with eight trails varying from 1.5km to 3.5km in length.
So, why don’t we all do it?
Forest bathing has been practiced around the world, since well before we started working ourselves to death in fluorescent lit offices. The Germans have two words that can be attributed to the practice: Waldbaden – literally, to take a bath in the forest; and Waldeinsamkeit – more poetically, the feeling that comes from being alone in the woods.
Yet, the practice is far from ubiquitous among the karoshi-suffering masses. In a recent ‘Mind Health Index’ study, 41% of all respondents reported that their mind health is either ‘languishing’ or ‘struggling’. The picture is worse for women (44%) and younger people – the latter stating that technology had a particularly negative impact on their mental wellbeing.
Conversely, the study also found that “employees are more likely to flourish if offered mental health support at work.” The word ‘flourish’ is critical here. The study showed that flourishing employees are generally more productive and less likely to quit their jobs. Given the raging war on talent, employee retention is vital to company success. Especially when those employees are happy, healthy and productive.
Wellbeing at work as part of your Employer Value Proposition (EVP)?
Alongside things like health insurance, gym membership and staff discounts, wellbeing schemes are increasingly integral to a strong EVP. The more a company defines and publicises their values, the more closely the EVP should align with them.
One example of this is a well-known European broadcaster and content creator. In June 2023, their Head of Group Benefits told a webinar about the importance of embedding wellbeing at all levels in the business.
“We’re supporting our leaders to be aware of the importance of wellbeing in the workplace,” he said.
He also spoke about bringing teams together across the organisation, “to create a more holistic practice”. This was measured as part of the company’s annual employee survey to make sure they’re hitting the right notes in line with other engagement scores.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. A recent newsletter from a UK brand agency pointed out that several global businesses are turning their backs on flexible working, with fairly draconian messages to their employees. This, despite their values championing the importance of their people, their flexibility and their good working environments.
If you want to attract and retain the best talent, helping them flourish is only one half of the equation. Being honest about your values, and actually living them, is key to a strong EVP.
The generation game
This last point is particularly true of Gen Z, who will make up more than a quarter of the workforce by 2025. In their report on attracting the next generation into the banking sector, a big-4 auditor spoke about building authentic purpose and driving social impact.
“[Gen Z] are highly engaged and well informed about the issues that matter to them,” it said. “… and they want – and expect – an employer that shares their values.” What’s more, the research found that Gen Z “typically gravitates towards organisations viewed as authentic or trustworthy”. Those companies that fail to live up to their values could find themselves losing the trust of a whole generation. And that means missing out on the best employees, as well as a whole load of potential customers.
The report also found that companies should “energise the culture with wellness, flexibility and transparency”. While the report was focussed on banking, the findings are common across all sectors, with this generation being “considerably more open to discussing their mental health concerns”.
Considered alongside the desire to find companies they can trust, who share their values, it’s clear that genuine employee wellbeing will continue to be a critical part of any EVP for a long time yet.
How to create a culture that supports wellbeing
Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500, a global business partnership of 500 companies working together to end disability exclusion, offers the following tips to establish a culture that supports wellbeing in your organisation:
- Be vulnerable – We all have ups and downs. Show your team that there’s strength in asking for help, share your struggles, and it will give them permission to share theirs.
- Leave loudly – We all have busy lives outside of work. Whether it’s picking the kids up from school, hitting the gym, or caring for loved ones. Whatever it is, make sure your team know you make time for your life away from work.
- Be informed – know the resources available to your people and be proactive about sharing them. Know your teams well enough to spot when someone isn’t themselves and act to signpost the support they can access.
Creating an authentic EVP your employees can trust
Creating an authentic EVP that prioritises wellbeing is one way to help your employees to flourish and your business to succeed. Our consultants are on hand to help you understand how your company values can support your EVP and earn the trust of the best talent on the market.
In the meantime, we recommend you try a spot of Shinrin Yoku. While you’re at it, perhaps keep an eye out for “komorebi”, another Japanese word that describes the way sunlight dances through the woodland canopy. It’s certain to enhance the waldeinsamkeit you experience while you’re out among the trees.
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