Now Gen Z want 'green days' off work! Youngsters claim they need to spend time in nature for their mental health

Now Gen Z want 'green days' off work! Youngsters claim they need to spend time in nature for their mental health

READ MORE: One in three Gen Z workers have called in sick over stress recently

By SHIVALI BEST, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Published: 10:34 GMT, 19 March 2026 | Updated: 11:53 GMT, 19 March 2026

Gen Z are calling for 'green days', in which they swap the office for a forest, mountain, or sunny beach.

A survey of 2,000 Brits found that almost half (48 per cent) of this generation think workers should get a monthly paid day off work to reconnect with nature.

The findings will come as no shock to many youngsters, who often take to social media to discuss the benefits of getting out in nature.

'I've been really struggling with my mental health the past couple of days,' explained TikTok user @missyamiejane while walking through a forest.

'I've struggled with depression for the majority of my adult life, and it's so crazy how all of that disappears the moment I'm outside.'

@sophstuff3 added: 'In your 20s you will go on a hike and realise how much better it makes you feel.

'It's important you make it a habit.'

And @explorewithkate said: 'Nature is free therapy and it will always be there for you.'

Gen Z are calling for 'green days', in which they swap the office for a forest, mountain, or sunny beach. Taking to TikTok, @sophstuff3 said: 'In your 20s you will go on a hike and realise how much better it makes you feel. It's important you make it a habit'

For the survey, organic food company Ecotone asked 2,000 UK office workers about their views on the office environment.

The results revealed that 88 per cent of Gen Z office workers think working inside all day has a negative impact on their mental health, while 30 per cent feel 'trapped' behind walls and screens.

When asked about their ideal working environment, 91 per cent said they would prefer to work outside or in nature at least some of the time.

Research has repeatedly proved that there are several benefits to being in nature.

For example, studies have shown that people who lived near green spaces have higher life satisfaction and less mental distress than those who did not.

Meanwhile, research in 2016 found a link between spending time outdoors and people's perception of their bodies, as well as their likelihood to bow to social pressure over their looks.

Based on the findings, Ecotone, which owns Clipper Teas and Kallo, has announced plans to launch a new paid time-off initiative called 'Green Leave'.

This scheme will offer Ecotone's staff three days of paid leave every year to spend outside, volunteering with an environmental charity.

The findings will come as no shock to many youngsters, who often take to social media to discuss the benefits of getting out in nature. 'I've been really struggling with my mental health the past couple of days,' explained TikTok user @missyamiejane. 'I've struggled with depression for the majority of my adult life, and it's so crazy how all of that disappears the moment I'm outside'

One in 3 Gen Z workers have called in sick over stress... and far more than their older colleagues

Ann Chambers, HR Director at Ecotone UK, said: 'Our research shows that younger workers, in particular, are feeling increasingly boxed in by modern office life.

'Green Leave is about recognising the value of time spent outdoors, not just for wellbeing, but for productivity, creativity and connection to the world around us.'

'By encouraging employees to step outside during the working week, we hope to promote better mental and physical health, while also supporting nature and climate action. It's a win for people, business and the planet.'

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