Nature as a Workplace Ally

Over the past few months, I’ve been expanding my volunteer scope by working with a new social enterprise called Root in Nature. Founded in 2021 by former Habitat for Humanity (Ottawa) CEO Alexis Ashworth, Root in Nature is doing some impressive work to help keep Canadians healthy and well. With Alexis at the helm of the Root in Nature team as CEO, the reach of the business’ impact is growing and fast.

One aspect of the business I’m happy to see get up off the ground is the workplace well-being angle Alexis and her team have so carefully and considerately created. By working with Canadian organizations, Alexis and her growing group of professionals (ranging from Horticultural therapists to Employee Wellness experts) deliver evidence-based initiatives to keep team members productive, healthy, connected, and well. Win win win. And win.

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Alexis in a new and creative way (and lucky for me, I had the chance to learn from Alexis’ brilliance even more directly). We invite you to read our new co-authored post, “Nature as a Workplace Ally”. As we transition out of what feels like a never-ending pandemic period, team members are expecting something very different from their employers. Meaningful work is essential, but a new baseline expectation is a workplace environment that cultivates well-being, helping employees feel their best, work their best and live their best.

As organizations continue to evolve the employee experience, protecting and empowering mental health is vital. While employees continue working remotely (for the foreseeable future), isolation, burnout, and work-life blending continue to pose real challenges for employee wellness and, ultimately, organizational success.

Here’s where the power of nature comes into play.