Long read
Improving wellness on the factory shop floor
One in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, according to mental health charity Mind.
Manufacturing employees often work unsociable hours, with limited opportunity for social interaction and this can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, and absenteeism as a result.
The NHS and some local governmental departments have recently increased their capacity to deal with this, through so called ‘social prescribing’ with a renewed focus on the health benefits of gardens.
Connecting with the outdoors for therapeutic support
The health benefits of gardens have long been championed, even as far back as Florence Nightingale, who referred to the benefits of outdoor space in her book ‘Notes on Nursing’, published in the 1800s.
Outdoor spaces should be accessible for everyone at work, offering a welcome refuge, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy factory, providing peace and a chance for social interaction for those who may not have this opportunity elsewhere.
The pandemic demonstrated the importance of outdoor space, and both The National Garden Scheme and The National Trust saw an increase in footfall to properties as a result.
Gardens and health continue to be championed by the National Gardens Scheme, which provides funding for gardens that offer therapeutic support, including those in NHS healthcare settings, Horatio’s Garden and Maggie’s cancer centres.
The aim of these initiatives is to give people more control over their lives; and the evidence so far suggests that the schemes have reduced pressure on NHS services, reduced GP consultations and fewer A&E attendances and hospital bed stays. This supports the notion that we can do better for people, without the use of drugs.
Evidence for wellness gardens
Scientific evidence for gardening’s direct effects on the brain is hard to come by, but many studies have shown this green-thumbed hobby can improve health. Some research has even found that exposure to simple pictures of greenery and plants can help reduce the need for medical intervention; and a recent study, published in June 2024 by Edinburgh University, found that time spent gardening reduces cases of dementia up to the age of 80, regardless of wealth and education factors.
There have been many more studies over the past 10 years, including one by Exeter University that showed that people who moved near to green space reported an immediate improvement in their mental health, whilst those who moved to a built-up area suffered a drop in mental health.
Gardens and planting, particularly trees, can also improve air quality, which can impact a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Air pollution has been linked to exacerbating respiratory problems, heart disease and cancer. It has also been shown to impact mental health including depression and anxiety.
The physical act of gardening
The physical act of gardening is well known for improving strength, endurance and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Digging, de-weeding, planting and raking are some of the best forms of exercise that uses most muscle groups. Interestingly a study published by Harvard Medical School found that the calories burned in just 30 minutes of gardening roughly equate to a 30-min game of badminton, volleyball or yoga.1
Some may not be able to participate in these activities, however; and inclusion can be tailored to the individual, with simple, seated actions such as potting a plant or watering, helping to aid movement and breathing.
Exposure to sunlight can be just as beneficial to health, if it is enjoyed safely. Natural light provides us with vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, in turn keeping our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. While putting your hands into soil can expose us to healthy bacteria that works to strengthen our immune systems and reduce inflammatory responses. Some research has even shown that there is a link between children not being exposed to soil and rising rates of allergies, asthma and mental disorders.
What to plant in a wellness garden
One of the most important elements to consider when designing a wellness garden is privacy, allowing visitors to truly relax. Privacy can be achieved through tall plants such as laurels or climbers such as jasmine, clematis or wisteria on an arbour, or screening to incorporate sheltered areas within the garden.
A clever wellness garden needs to ensure it is accessible for all types of visitors and their respective physical abilities. One of the key opportunities of a garden is the chance for social interaction, and so a seating area or space for meeting others is essential.
Surrounding this space, you might want to consider including plants that have the most sensory impact, for example those that are highly scented, have leaves that are soft to the touch, create a sound when the wind blows, or have spectacular colour in the sun or rain.
Plants that are good for this include those from the herbaceous range of species. A herbaceous plant is one that does not have any true woody tissues. Nearly all annual and biennial plants are herbaceous, reaching their full height and producing flowers in one year, before dying back over the winter. They then return in the following spring. Plants including salvia, lavender and rosemary are good choices for a wellness garden.
Bright colours can be introduced at all times of year, depending on location and site conditions, and successional planting brings new life into the garden through the whole year. The sound of grasses blowing in the wind can be calming, whilst safe to touch.
Planting fruit trees have been a successful venture in some of our projects, allowing the garden users to see and enjoy the full lifecycle of the tree, from sapling to fruit bearing, and then trying the fruit for themselves.
Finishing touches
A wellness garden is not complete without a seating area or multiple spots to rest. The purpose of a wellness garden is for visitors to join or a place to seek solace when needed.
Sensory elements such as the use of gravel or other flooring textures can help to add sound and colour, but be careful these are suitable for those with mobility needs. I’d recommend a pea gravel or rubber which is more suited to those who find different surfaces hard to manage. Rubber offers a softer landing should a person be unsteady on their feet.
A raised bed or potting table should be incorporated. Allowing plants to grow at different levels also adds interest to the garden.
The use of water not only adds sensory impact, but it can encourage wildlife to visit as a drinking area, and even as a breeding ground. If running water is not possible and a pond unsafe, the use of bird baths interspersed among the flowers is helpful for feathered friends.
To add to the atmosphere of the garden, wind chimes offer a sound experience, while mirrors and solar lights can reflect light, shape and colour.
Staff wellness garden at British Sugar
Here at Gavin Jones – part of Nurture Group – we worked on the wellness garden for the historic British Sugar factory in Wissington, near Kings Lynn in Norfolk.
The heavy plant world is generally male dominated and speaking about mental health can be a taboo subject, with research showing men are less likely to seek help for their mental health.
In fact, the Men's Health Forum found that 52% are concerned about taking time off work, while 46% would feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer. Meanwhile, as many as 12.5% of men in England have a mental health disorder and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK.1
The team at British Sugar wanted to create a safe environment for people to be able to take some time and space to reflect, away from their daily tasks. Some employees have an interest in wildlife, so they wanted the area to feel like part of the overall environment.
Now, with the wellness garden, the Wissington-based team can take a restful break and enjoy fresh air, get some gentle exercise, interact with others if they wish, and prioritise their mental health and wellbeing.
A local men’s health charity ‘Men’s Shed’ has also provided bird boxes for the site. The final phase of the project, which is currently underway, will involve installing bee hives and benches.
Wellness gardens are not just aesthetically pleasing additions to an industrial setting; they are increasingly vital components of staff wellbeing, cultivating a future where the working environment is enriched by the power of nature.
References
- www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
- www.mentalhealth-uk.org/mens-mental-health/
In other news, Multivac UK has celebrated its 40th birthday. Read Food Manufacture's highlights from the day's events here.
