Our Office Explained

The Benefits of Having Access to Nature During the Work Day

We’re often asked why Bennett Design holds a second office in Uxbridge, Ontario – due north of the downtown core where we conduct a great deal of our work.

There are many, wide-ranging answers for this: including an untapped northern talent pool, the ability to customize our build, a flexible work policy that allows staff to float to and from downtown, amazing amenities and more. However, the most unique characteristic this location has to offer – one that deeply defines our culture, our commitment and everyday ethos is the access to nature via the trails at the edge of our lot.

Having immediate access to nature has benefits for our team’s mental health, productivity and purpose.

It has been proven that going for a 40-minute walk in a cedar forest lowers the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, as well as blood pressure and supports the immune system more than a similar 40-minute walk indoors in a lab.

Medical Students in Tokyo have also discovered that trees and plants emit compounds known as phytoncides that when inhaled give us therapeutic benefits akin to aromatherapy. Phytoncides also change the blood composition, which impacts our protection against cancer, boosts our immune system and lowers our blood pressure.

By inviting our team to use these trails, normalizing breaks and encouraging walking meetings we’re giving them the benefit of regeneration – away from their busy assignments – in the most inspiring environment we can offer. Come and visit us.

Let’s talk about how we can help your corporate space and go for a walk.