It’s no secret — the pandemic compromised nearly everyone’s mental health.Collectively, the world went through a massive change so it’s totally normal to be worried and stressed (we’d be surprised if you weren’t).
But life will never be as it was before the pandemic. As employees head back into the office and regain a bit of normalcy into their lives, it’s critical that leaders prioritize mental health.
It’s time for the workplace to stop being an overly stressful place. By catering to the mental health and wellbeing of employees, business leaders will not only boost morale, but also increase office productivity and overall company performance. Studies show that companies with highly satisfied employees outperform low satisfaction companies by 202%. Offices that provide employees with the proper resources and spaces to promote wellness will end up enhancing employee satisfaction and happiness. In fact, spaces like green roofs are soothing oases that allow people to connect with nature, socialize, and in turn, amplify their mood and spirit at the workplace. So that begs the question, are green roofs the key to employee happiness?
How Has the Pandemic Affected Mental Health?
The pandemic caused a lot of loss — loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, and the loss of feeling safe. Any one of these is enough to cause anxiety and distress in a person. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in January 2021, 41% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression due to the pandemic. Furthermore, a June 2020 survey from the CDC states that 13% of adults reported new or increased substance use due to COVID-related stress.
As people return to the office and the workforce, the last thing they need is extra stress from their employer. Implementing stress-relieving spaces throughout the office will help garner better mental health for employees. For example, a green roof enables employees to get some fresh air and vitamin D while they take a break from work. Actually, a study by Wiley found that when people with depression regularly received vitamin D supplements, they noticed an improvement in their symptoms. So if enjoying a bit of sunshine throughout the day can help improve your employees’ mood, why not make it happen?
How Can Green Roof Systems Make People Happy?
Primarily, green roofs can be a great source of fresh air when an employee is feeling overwhelmed or having a particularly poor day. But did you know that just looking at a green roof can positively affect people’s mental health and productivity?! According to a study from the University of Melbourne, those who took a break to gaze at a green roof for less than a minute improved their performance and accuracy when they continued on with their task. If your mind isn’t already blown, green roofs have also been found to improve heart rate and blood pressure!
After spending a year cooped up inside our homes, we all could use a little socialization. Green roofs can be a socialization hot spot for employees on break. Furthermore, the McKinsey Global Institute states that productivity improves by 20-25% in organizations with connected employees. To maximize employee usage and foster co-working relationships, consider adding benches, tables, and walkways to your green roof. And don't forget that green roofs can also serve as a sanctuary for employees who need a moment to themselves.
Are Green Roofs Practical?
Besides being absolutely beautiful, green roofs also have many practical purposes. Predominantly, green roofs provide a first line of defense against stormwater. Green roofs are lined with resilient plants and growing media that aid in soaking up water to keep it out of city streets.
Additionally, green roofs reduce the urban heat island effect which is, according to National Geographic, a built-up area with temperatures that are higher than the rural areas surrounding it.
Chicago, for example, is an urban heat island. To combat this, rooftop gardens absorb heat preventing temperatures from rising. Low-growing extensive green roofs isolate water and release it slowly (evapotranspiration), while more species-diverse intensive green roofs can provide shade and greater cooling benefits.
As if all of the above wasn’t cool enough, green roofs can also extend the lifespan of a building’s roof by two or even three times! They even help reduce energy consumption by absorbing heat as opposed to a tar roof that attracts heat. Finally, these rooftops soothe the humans who get to view and enjoy them every day, lowering their stress levels and increasing their happiness.
Final Thoughts
While green roofs are not the end all be all to bettering someone’s mental health, they can definitely make a positive impact. HR experts report that employee burnout is responsible for at least 50% of the annual turnover. To retain current employees, business leaders must be cognizant of their employees’ wellbeing and ensure that they are offering the resources and tools necessary to foster positive energy and morale throughout the workplace.
Interested in learning more about how implementing a green roof can positively impact your employees, their mental health, and your company overall? Contact our team of experts and let’s get to work!
