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While the traditional classroom-based setting can be effective, research has come to show that incorporating nature into the learning process can have wonderous effects on the learning function, and is one of the most cost-effective and efficient way to improve retention and engagement amongst learners.

There are many ways how L&D professionals can utilise nature in their training spaces to ensure maximum efficacy in their learning function.

Using nature in indoor working spaces

While the design of the space that the learning takes place in may not initially cross the trainer’s mind, the setting is extremely important, and has been confirmed to have a significant influence on the learner’s productivity, creativity, and well-being.

The traditional office work space or classroom style training room quite often impacts an employee’s productivity, engagement, and creativity. A cluttered noisy and uncomfortable working space can lead to distractions, reduced productivity, and increased stress which are all extremely detrimental to the learning process.

However, by utilising nature in indoor working spaces , such as by incorporating plants and natural light into the learning space, organisations are able to improve both their learners’ mood and cognitive performance .

So, just by simply incorporating nature into an indoor working space, L&D professionals can create a more engaging and stimulating learning environment which in turn, will promote retention amongst the learners and improve the overall learning function.

Using nature in outdoor working spaces

In addition, parks, natural environments and specifically designed outdoor working spaces have all been shown to have a positive impact on employee well-being and creativity.

Through working in outdoor spaces, learners receive all the associated benefits of fresh air, natural light, and reduced stress levels. Furthermore, there have been studies that show that learners who work in greener and more natural environments will have a better attention span and higher retention rates .

Working in outdoor spaces can be a refreshing change of scenery for learners, especially after spending long hours in a small office. When leveraged correctly, outdoor spaces can work to improve mental well-being, leading to increased productivity and creativity.

What is particularly useful about outdoor spaces is that they can also provide unique opportunities for collaboration and team building, which can further enhance the learning experience.

Interestingly, it is also theorised that by having the learning take place in a unique environment, learners are more likely to be able to recall the learning material simply due to the uniqueness of the location, as it is more memorable than the average traditional classroom setting.

L&D experts can leverage these benefits by incorporating outdoor working spaces where possible into their training programmes to improve learner performance and retention.

Nature in off-site training and away days

Another way learning experts utilise nature is through the use off-site training sessions, or corporate away days , which can be highly effective tools in enhancing learning retention.

Away days provide employees with the opportunity to break away from their daily routines and solely focus on learning and development. By using this unique learning situation as an opportunity to integrate nature-based activities, such as outdoor games or picnic lunches, L&D professionals can create a memorable and impactful learning experience, as learners are much more likely to remember experiences that they found both fun and interesting.

L&D experts are increasingly recognising the benefits of incorporating nature into the learning process. From applying the use of nature in outdoor spaces and applying natural elements into traditional working spaces, L&D professionals can improve their team’s overall learning retention by creating a more natural and engaging learning environment.

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