Nature and Workplace Mental Health: Insights from King’s College 2018 Urban Mind Study
Discover how King’s College research shows nature boosts workplace mental health. Learn practical steps for employers to improve wellbeing and productivity.
Quick Summary: The King’s College London study Urban Mind: Using Smartphone Technologies to Investigate the Impact of Nature on Mental Wellbeing in Real Time reveals that exposure to natural features within urban environments significantly improves mental wellbeing. Using a smartphone app, researchers collected over 3,000 real-time assessments from 108 participants. Findings show that nature’s benefits are immediate and long-lasting, particularly for individuals vulnerable to mental health challenges. For workplaces, this research underscores the importance of integrating nature into office design. Biophilic elements such as indoor plants, natural light and outdoor green spaces can reduce stress, boost mood and enhance productivity. Related UK studies, including reports from the Mental Health Foundation and Natural England, confirm that nature-based interventions are cost-effective strategies for improving wellbeing. Employers adopting these practices not only support mental health but also align with ESG goals and sustainability commitments. As technology advances, tools like Urban Mind offer new ways to monitor and promote wellbeing. The takeaway is clear: nature is not a luxury; it is a necessity for healthy, productive workplaces.
Why Mental Health Matters in the Workplace
Mental health is a critical business priority. Rising stress levels, burnout and absenteeism cost UK employers billions annually. According to the Mental Health Foundation, poor mental health costs UK businesses up to £45 billion each year. Employers are seeking evidence-based strategies to support wellbeing, improve productivity and meet ESG commitments. One area gaining attention is the role of nature in mental health.
What Is the Urban Mind Study?
The King’s College London study, Urban Mind: Using Smartphone Technologies to Investigate the Impact of Nature on Mental Wellbeing in Real Time, published in BioScience (2018), used a smartphone app to collect real-time data on mental wellbeing and environmental exposure. Over one week, 108 participants completed 3,013 assessments. The study found that natural features, such as trees, plants and water, within urban environments have immediate and lasting positive effects on mental wellbeing.
“Our investigation suggests that the benefits of nature on mental wellbeing are time-lasting and interact with an individual’s vulnerability to mental illness.” (King’s College London)
The positive impact was strongest among individuals with higher impulsivity traits, which are associated with mental health vulnerability. This suggests that nature-based interventions could be particularly beneficial for employees at greater risk of stress or anxiety.
How Nature Improves Mental Wellbeing at Work
Research consistently shows that exposure to nature reduces stress, improves mood and enhances cognitive function. The Mental Health Foundation reports that 45% of UK respondents found visiting green spaces helped them cope during the pandemic. Natural England’s evidence review supports nature-based interventions as cost-effective strategies for improving wellbeing.
A 2024 King’s College study extended these findings, showing that biodiversity matters: spaces with diverse natural features, such as trees, plants, birds and water, are associated with stronger improvements in mental wellbeing compared to less diverse environments.
“Spaces with a diverse range of natural features are associated with stronger improvements in our mental wellbeing compared to spaces with less natural diversity.” (King’s College London, 2024)
Practical Steps for Employers
Employers can leverage these insights through biophilic design and nature-based initiatives:
• Indoor Plants and Green Walls: Introducing greenery into office spaces can reduce stress and improve air quality.
• Natural Light and Views: Maximising daylight and providing views of nature enhance mood and productivity.
• Outdoor Spaces: Creating accessible green areas for breaks encourages restorative experiences.
• Digital Wellbeing Tools: Apps like Urban Mind can help employees monitor their mental state and encourage nature engagement.
These interventions are not just aesthetic, they deliver measurable benefits. Studies link biophilic design to reduced absenteeism, improved concentration and higher job satisfaction.
ESG and Policy Implications
Integrating nature into workplace design aligns with ESG goals and UK government recommendations for mental health. Natural England advocates for green infrastructure as a public health strategy. WWF’s Prescription for Nature report highlights nature engagement as a cost-effective intervention for reducing stress and anxiety.
For businesses, this means that investing in nature-based solutions is not only good for employees but also supports sustainability and corporate responsibility objectives.
The Future of Workplace Wellbeing
Technology will play a growing role in workplace wellbeing. Smartphone-based tools like Urban Mind enable real-time monitoring and personalised interventions. Future research may explore how virtual nature experiences—such as immersive digital environments—can complement physical green spaces.
Conclusion: Nature as a Business Imperative
The evidence is clear: nature matters for mental health and workplaces that embrace this principle stand to gain in wellbeing, productivity and reputation.
As the King’s College Urban Mind study shows, even small doses of nature can have lasting benefits.
For employers, the message is simple: bring nature into the workplace and watch wellbeing flourish.
References
King’s College London (2018) Urban Mind: Using Smartphone Technologies to Investigate the Impact of Nature on Mental Wellbeing in Real Time. BioScience. [Online] Available at: https://kcl.ac.uk (Accessed: 18 November 2025).
King’s College London (2024) Biodiversity and Mental Health: Urban Mind Findings. [Online] Available at: https://kcl.ac.uk (Accessed: 18 November 2025).
Mental Health Foundation (2022) Nature and Mental Health: The Evidence. London: Mental Health Foundation. [Online] Available at: https://mentalhealth.org.uk (Accessed: 18 November 2025).
Natural England (2024) NEER030: A Narrative Review of Reviews of Nature Exposure and Human Health and Well-being in the UK. York: Natural England. [Online] Available at: https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5939107801595904 (Accessed: 18 November 2025).
WWF-UK (2024) A Prescription for Nature: The Evidence Base. Woking: WWF-UK. [Online] Available at: https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/A-Prescription-For-Nature-The-Evidence-Base.pdf (Accessed: 18 November 2025).
Image credit: Avenue Trees Path - Free stock photo on Pixabay
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