Working in Urban Areas vs. Working in Nature | Benefits and Contrasts
There are many good reasons why more and more people are moving to cities: they offer modern infrastructure, advanced public and private services, a wider range of professional and personal opportunities, and an unprecedented level of interactivity and socialization compared to rural and natural environments. It’s no surprise that most large companies are based in major urban areas. However, working surrounded by nature also has its own set of benefits, both for individuals and organizations. Let’s take an in-depth look at the contrasts and advantages of each.
The Benefits of Working in Urban Areas
The primary advantage of working in an urban area, as mentioned earlier, is the convenient and constant access to essential services such as healthcare, higher education, banking, and shopping. Public transport allows quick and easy access to these services. Additionally, urban areas offer unparalleled networking opportunities. Office buildings often host multiple companies, each with dozens of professionals to connect with, fostering synergies and future opportunities. It’s a highly dynamic work environment.
This dynamism is closely tied to professional growth. Cities are hubs for brands, conventions, forums, and trade fairs, offering greater opportunities for career advancement. Added to this is an unmatched range of entertainment and cultural offerings: cinemas, theaters, museums, concert halls, and restaurants enrich people’s social and personal lives. They inspire reflection, learning, and change. They provide a deeper cultural foundation that can spark creativity, which in turn benefits companies.
The Benefits of Working Surrounded by Nature
On the other hand, working in natural environments offers its own distinct advantages. The primary benefit is clear: daily contact with nature satisfies people’s innate biophilic instincts. Gazing out the window at green landscapes, mountains, or wildlife promotes a calming sense of tranquility that reduces anxiety and stress while improving mood. This leads to another critical benefit: enhanced concentration and, as a result, increased productivity. Calmness is the greatest ally for individuals striving to perform at their best.
Moreover, working surrounded by nature positively impacts physical health. Cleaner air and the opportunity to take short breaks to walk in green spaces contribute to better cardiovascular and respiratory health. This, in turn, benefits companies, as healthier employees perform better and take fewer sick days. Lastly, the slower pace of life in natural settings helps prevent burnout, a major cause of employee turnover. In one way or another, nature retains talent.
Combining the Best of Both Worlds
As we’ve seen, both working in urban areas and working in natural environments have unique advantages for individuals and companies. It’s a shame to have to choose one over the other. That’s why, at Colonial, we focus on placing our office buildings in major cities, offering all the connectivity urban environments provide, while surrounding them with as much nature as possible. From native plants and trees that attract local wildlife to large glass facades that let in open skies and natural light, insect nests, and green walls—these are just a few of our solutions. Because the key lies in the fusion.
