Innerpact at work
coachings-model Innerpact
Innerpact at Work
By Veronique Swinkels
Over the years, I have coached numerous young professionals across various roles and industries. Through these conversations and research into best practices, five key elements have emerged as essential for fostering a workplace that is not extractive but regenerative—both for young and experienced professionals.
Together, we can shape a world that prioritizes growth and well-being for future generations. Drawing from philosophical, sociological, and business insights, five core categories that can help organizations cultivate a flourishing work environment have become apparent. These elements become even more powerful when inspired by nature—an approach central to Innerpact’s coaching philosophy (please add and comment to this work in progress).
The five essential elements are: Rituals, Mindfulness, Authenticity, Relevance, and Quality of Life at Work.
By incorporating these elements, employees can feel empowered to voice their needs and cultivate a workplace that truly supports their talents and well-being.
Summary; The following keywords encapsulate the vision of a thriving workplace: #well-being #nature #mindfulness #diversity #inclusion #sustainability #social-responsibility #Work-life-balance #psychological-safety #empathy #evidence-based #climate #care #LGBTQ #women #gender and #respect.
1. Rituals: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
Rituals in the workplace extend beyond formalities and routines. They are intentional, meaningful actions that foster connection, continuity, and belonging. For younger employees, rituals such as team celebrations, recognition of milestones, and open discussions about success and failure reinforce values of inclusivity, respect, and community. Rituals can be built by using old and new symbols or routines. They can be borrowed from traditions and cultures. They can be used to uplift the spirit at any moment. Use the imagination and creativity of the team to design the right ritual for the right moment.
Nature’s Role:
Nature-based rituals can enhance workplace culture. Seasonal celebrations, outdoor team-building exercises, or simply acknowledging the rhythms of nature can inspire balance and renewal. Nature can provide the inspiration of an enormous range of animals, plants, landscapes, weather types and elements that can become part of rituals. These rituals help employees connect to their environment, fostering resilience and engagement.
2. Mindfulness: cultivating presence and balance
Young professionals increasingly seek workplaces that prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness—the practice of being fully present—can reduce stress, enhance focus, and cultivate emotional resilience. Implementing mindfulness practices, such as structured breaks, guided reflections, and empathetic leadership, supports a more balanced work-life experience. In slowing down a new dynamic can be found that corresponds more to both male and female energy.
Nature’s Role:
Spending time in nature—whether through outdoor breaks, walking meetings, or integrating natural elements into office spaces—enhances mindfulness and mental clarity. Exposure to nature reduces stress and fosters emotional well-being, reinforcing the workplace as a space for growth and balance (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; Barton & Pretty, 2010).
Recent research underscores these benefits: A 2024 study by Nieuwenhuis et al. in Journal of Environmental Psychology found that biophilic workplace design significantly enhances employee well-being, particularly in open-plan offices (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2024). Additionally, research from Kaplan and Berman (2022) highlights that spending time in nature after work can boost mood and improve performance the following day.
3. Create with authenticity: embracing whole-self agency
An authentic workplace is one where employees feel safe to bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment. Authenticity fosters creativity, innovation, and trust. Embracing authenticity means building a culture where people speak up and are curious about different perspectives (gender, LGBTQ, cultural, social, faith and connection to nature). Young professionals value work environments that align with their personal values and allow for self-expression and autonomy.
Nature’s Role:
Nature exemplifies diversity and authenticity, serving as an inspiration for employees to embrace their uniqueness. Encouraging authenticity in the workplace, much like nature’s vast variety, fosters innovation and personal fulfilment.
A 2023 study by Li et al. in Frontiers in Psychology further emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence, workplace spirituality, and restorative practices in natural settings in enhancing employee well-being and productivity (Li et al., 2023).
4. Relevance: aligning work with greater purpose
Employees, especially younger generations, seek work that aligns with their personal values—whether in sustainability, social responsibility, or ethical business practices. Creating a workplace that actively contributes to the greater good enhances engagement and motivation.
Nature’s Role:
A workplace that integrates sustainability and environmental consciousness attracts purpose-driven employees. Organizations can embed "regenerative and nature-positive" strategies by reducing waste, promoting biodiversity, and integrating regenerative practices, aligning business objectives with global well-being (Doppelt, 2003; Eccles et al., 2014).
A 2023 study by Jackson & Rimmer in Sustainable Business Journal found that employees' awareness of AI and automation technologies can impact their well-being, suggesting that workplaces should balance technological advancements with natural, human-centered elements to maintain engagement and satisfaction (Jackson & Rimmer, 2023).
5. Quality of life at work
The quality of work-life balance is crucial for employee satisfaction. Providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment is essential, especially for younger employees balancing career growth and personal well-being. Factors such as psychological safety, access to healthy food, ergonomic workspaces, and neurodiverse-friendly environments significantly enhance well-being.
Nature’s Role:
Incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and outdoor workspaces—has been shown to improve mood, lower stress levels, and boost productivity (Kellert & Calabrese, 2015; Germundsson & Brundin, 2019). When employees feel connected to nature at work, they report greater job satisfaction and well-being.
A recent study by Robinson et al. in Workplace Wellbeing Journal explores how immersive nature-inspired workplace installations can enhance well-being by promoting diversity and deepening employees’ connection to their work environment (Robinson et al., 2024).
Conclusion: building a flourishing workplace with nature’s guidance
To create a thriving work environment, organizations must integrate Rituals, Mindfulness, Authenticity, Relevance, and Quality of Life at Work into their culture. By incorporating nature’s wisdom into these elements, businesses can foster engaged, resilient, and purpose-driven employees and workplaces become safe and regenerative.
When nature is interwoven into the workplace, employees experience deeper connections, enhanced creativity, and a sense of meaning in their work. Companies that embrace this approach will not only drive individual and collective success but will also contribute to a more sustainable and fulfilling world.
References
Kaplan, S., & Kaplan, R. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). "What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health?" Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947-3955.
Nieuwenhuis, M., et al. (2024). "Biophilic Workplace Design and Employee Well-Being." Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Kaplan, S., & Berman, M. (2022). "The Role of Nature in Cognitive Restoration." Annual Review of Psychology.
Li, X., et al. (2023). "Workplace Spirituality and Emotional Intelligence in Nature-Based Work Environments." Frontiers in Psychology.
Jackson, T., & Rimmer, P. (2023). "AI Awareness and Well-Being in the Sustainable Workplace." Sustainable Business Journal.
Kellert, S. R., & Calabrese, E. F. (2015). The Practice of Biophilic Design. Terrapin Bright Green.
Germundsson, P., & Brundin, E. (2019). "Nature as a Source of Innovation and Creativity." Journal of Business Research, 98, 258-265.
Robinson, K., et al. (2024). "Temporal Diversity and Workplace Wellbeing." Workplace Wellbeing Journal.