Nature’s power for wellbeing stepped into The Front
Located in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, The Front has always strived to be one step ahead of the needs of modern working life, also in terms of wellbeing. Now the property has something quite unique: a space going to heart of the forest, where the peace, scents and sounds of nature open the door to holistic well-being.
It is not a traditional break room, but a complete forest wellness experience. Designed by Forest/Skogen, the space offers the healing effects of nature directly into the office environment.
Well-being and meaningful breaks
Sari Vainikkala, Director of Wellbeing at ISS, says that the space meets the very need that many office workers were struggling with: how to recover and be more productive in the midst of the rush.
– At ISS, the overall well-being of our employees is really important. When you’re doing brain work, small breaks and where you spend them are really important. It’s great that such a space is being brought into the work community, because the value of the forest and quiet space is huge, Vainikkala says.
He says the space is equally well suited for quiet moments of respite as it is for business meetings.
– I hope people will use the space in a variety of ways, for meetings, breaks and relaxation. It is a space for both the soul and the body.
Space for well-being
The Front is known for offering not only workstations, but also inspiring recreational options. For example, tenants have access to office bikes, massage services and opportunities for outdoor activities, culture and socialising.
The new forest space complements this.
– The space is perfect here at The Front. When you enter the space, you immediately feel your heart rate drop and your mind calm down, says Katri Rissanen, Head of Supplier Chain and Procurement at ISS.
According to Rissanen, the space has been very well received.
– It is important that we have places where we can genuinely meet, discuss and brainstorm together. This space is exactly for that. Tenants have been enthusiastic and many bookings have already been received.
The power of the forest as part of the working day
The founders of Metsä/Skogen, Carita Peltonen and Riikka Hakala, are behind the new forest spcae, and they know the importance of the forest on a personal level as well. In 2018, Carita fell ill with severe work fatigue and found the keys to her recovery in nature.
– Forest/Skogen was inspired by a forest trail, when I realised how strongly nature supports recovery. Now we want to bring the same effects into our working life and customer experience, says Peltonen.
The Front’s new space is built as an experience for all the senses. You can watch nature videos, listen to the sounds of the forest, breathe in the ethereal scents of pine and juniper and even taste nature-themed treats such as coffee from a traditional cup.
– We wanted to create a forest oasis in the middle of The Front business park, which is already a pioneer in customer experience. This space brings the peace and well-being of nature into everyday life – exactly where the rush and demands often take over,” says Peltonen.
Research backs up the experience
Hakala says that the purpose of the farm is to bring the effects of nature into the working day in a tangible way, and research supports this.
– According to research by the Natural Resources Institute Finland, just 15 minutes in a natural environment lowers blood pressure and heart rate and increases feelings of well-being. A forest farm can bring these effects indoors.
– The fact is that one in three managers and executives suffers from work-related fatigue and one in six young people have symptoms of fatigue. We need to find solutions to promote well-being, and nature is one concrete way to do this, says Peltonen.
A common space for well-being
The Front’s new forest space is not just a trendy addition to the office environment, but a reflection of the increasing focus on holistic wellbeing at The Front and in the workplace in general. It offers a tangible opportunity to stop, face and recharge your batteries.
– The Forest wellness space acts as a gateway to the local nature. Here you can enjoy the four seasons of Finnish nature every moment of the year, Hakala sums up.