Embracing winter outdoors: Why nature matters more than ever for workplace well-being

As the days grow shorter and the skies turn grey, many of us feel it: the shift from autumn into winter can bring more than just a change in wardrobe. For employees and organisations, the darker months can also mean a rise in stress, fatigue, and reduced engagement. The good news? By intentionally connecting with the outdoors and bringing nature into our working day, we can better support wellbeing.

Why Winter Is Especially Challenging

The seasonality of mood and energy is real and well-documented. In the UK, many workers find the transition into winter more difficult than simply “feeling a bit down.”

The science or shorter days

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised form of depression linked to the autumn and winter months, where light levels fall and our bodies struggle to maintain mood, energy and circadian rhythm. Reduced daylight has been shown to impact our circadian rhythm, serotonin and melatonin levels, all of which influence mood, motivation and stress resilience. In the UK, some cities have been flagged as particularly vulnerable because people spend very little time outdoors in daylight during winter workdays.

The workplace impact

When employees are working indoors with little natural light and minimal time outdoors during daylight hours, the risk of fatigue, low mood and disengagement increases. For teams, this can translate into higher stress levels, lower productivity, and more frequent unscheduled absences.

How Nature Outdoors Supports Employee Well-being

Stepping outside, even for brief periods, and engaging with the natural world has benefits that go beyond feel-good. For the workplace-wellness agenda, this translates into measurable value.

Light, fresh air, movement

Taking a mindful walk outdoors means:

• more exposure to daylight, which helps regulate the body-clock and counters the “winter tiredness” effect.

• movement and fresh air, which reduce stress, clear mental fatigue and improve mood.

• a break from screens and indoor lighting, allowing the mind to reset and refocus.

Nature as a buffer for stress & disengagement

By integrating nature-based breaks or sessions into the working day, organisations can help employees maintain resilience through winter. In UK guidance, managing SAD and similar winter-low moods includes lifestyle measures such as getting regular outdoor daylight and exercise.

When employees feel more energised and less mentally fatigued, they’re more likely to engage, collaborate effectively and show up with focus.

Final Thoughts

For employers, offering nature-based well-being initiatives during autumn and winter can be a differentiator. When every person in your team arrives with a clearer mind and better mood, the cumulative effect across workflows, culture and productivity becomes meaningful.