Corporate wellbeing with employee engagement
The challenge was to transform an under utilised roof terrace which looked great for two months of the year into colourful 12 month wellbeing benefit.
The brief
What we did
Employee engagement
To bring each space to life to provide year-round colour and encourage the employees to use it more, connect with nature, all whilst supporting UCL’s Landscape and Habitat Management plan.
We created a solution that reflected the work done by the employees which was to understand the brain, behaviour, and nervous system. Our response was to design a series of sensory-led gardens, using herbs and plants known for their positive influence on the brain and nervous system. Planting schemes included species associated with calming, restorative, and neuroprotective qualities.
But, we needed to get buy-in from the staff so they felt that the garden was ‘theirs’.
The planting
We repurposed the wildflower plants that were already there and arranged them in waves rather than scattered.
We planted over 1800 bubs and introduced high pollinator but low maintenence plants such as erysimum, cistus, lavender and spreading thyme.
The middle and back layers were planted in March and designed to grow whilst the wild flowers were in full bloom during May and June. When cut back, they would expose a mixed layer of new plants such as gaura, echinacea, rudbeckia. More structural plants were introduced at the back including dwarf buddleia
Process for corporate planting schemes to improve employee wellbeing
EMPLOYEE INPUT
Employee survey, drop-in workshop for idea collection and engagement e.g. guess the herb.
CLIENT BRIEF
Review existing space; identify client needs, challenges and opportunities
SENSORY PLANTING EXAMPLES Propose planting options, colour palette, potential zoning of space.
MEASURED IMPACT ASSESSMENT
A follow-up survey will demonstrate the change in employee connection with nature as a result of the enhancements.
ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Nature activities and workshops, updates on ‘adopt a plant’, kitchen updates on herbs used.
PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
Planting with optional herb garden and space zoning. Weekly maintenance by our gardener.
Plant life into your space.
Corporate wellbeing rooftops
Nature engagement activities
Herb garden design and planting
Sensory planting design
Placemaking planting design
Branding through planting
Maintenance services
