Modern working life is noisy. From uninspiring corporate offices on business parks to relentless meetings and notifications, we’re surrounded by distractions that chip away at our focus. And yet, the solution may be surprisingly traditional: nature.
Across the UK and beyond, research is mounting that shows proximity to green space, even just the view from a window can significantly improve concentration, mental clarity and cognitive recovery.
A landmark study from the University of Michigan found that participants who walked in a natural environment performed 20% better on memory and attention tests than those who walked in urban areas. The concept behind this is called Attention Restoration Theory. It’s the idea that natural settings gently engage our brains without overwhelming them, helping us reset and refocus.
It’s no wonder more businesses are rethinking where work happens. As we move beyond the idea that productivity lives only in glass towers, a new model is emerging: spaces where calm, clarity, and focus thrive naturally.
At Burrough Court, that’s exactly what we offer. Nestled in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, our spaces aren’t just designed for work: they’re designed for clarity.
Nature & Focus: The Cutting-Edge Science
So why does being surrounded by nature help us focus better?
It starts with something called Attention Restoration Theory (ART), developed by environmental psychologists Rachel & Stephen Kaplan. The idea is simple: our ability to focus is a finite resource. In urban settings, we constantly use what researchers call directed attention; the effortful concentration required to navigate noise, emails, deadlines, and digital pings. Eventually, that resource runs out, leading to mental fatigue, irritability, and poor decision-making.
But nature offers a cognitive reset. Natural environments engage the brain through what’s called soft fascination; gently stimulating scenes (think: tree canopies, birdsong, rolling fields) that hold our attention without demanding it. This allows the brain’s directed attention system to rest and recover, making us sharper when we return to task.
This isn’t just theory.
Research shows it has measurable effects:
- A University of Michigan study found that just 50 minutes walking in nature improved memory and attention by 20% compared to walking in a city.
- The Human Spaces global report found that employees working in environments with natural elements were 15% more productive, 6% more creative, and reported 15% higher wellbeing.
- Office workers with greenery and natural light consistently report lower stress, fewer sick days, and greater job satisfaction.
This has huge implications for businesses. It means that a well-designed workspace set within a natural environment doesn’t just look good: it helps people do better work. And at Burrough Court, this science is embedded in the design of our workspace, for example:
- Offices are surrounded by green space and woodland walks
- Plenty of open natural light floods the interiors throughout
- Outdoor seating areas invite quiet reflection, informal meetings, or just a walk-and-think meeting or break.
Practical Takeaways to Harness the Focus Effect
You don’t need to rebuild your office in the middle of a forest to benefit from nature’s productivity boosting qualities. But you do need to be intentional about how your environment supports focus, wellbeing, and creativity.
Here are a few practical ways to bring the “Focus Effect” into your working life and why places like Burrough Court are already ahead of the curve:
Build Nature Into the Everyday
Make outdoor breaks part of your schedule. A short walk among trees or even just 15 minutes in fresh air can reset your focus far more effectively than scrolling through your phone. At Burrough Court, the countryside is on your doorstep. So stepping outside isn’t a disruption, it becomes a habit.
Surround Yourself with Natural Elements
Biophilic design isn’t just about plants; it’s about textures, materials, light, and layout. Introduce greenery, wooden surfaces, or natural fibres into your workspace. Even in a home office, a potted fern or a view of trees can reduce stress and boost concentration.
Prioritise Light and Air
Maximise natural light and fresh airflow in your workspace. Burrough Court’s converted buildings are filled with large windows and high ceilings (not just for aesthetic reasons) but because these features improve mood, energy, and cognitive clarity.
Make Time to Reset
The best environments encourage pause, not just productivity. Whether it’s a quiet outdoor bench, a lunchtime yoga class, or a five-minute moment with coffee and birdsong, Burrough Court fosters space to step back and return sharper.
Choose Space with Purpose
Where you work ultimately shapes how you work. If your current setup isn’t supporting deep thinking, consider what a shift in environment could do. Burrough Court isn’t just a beautiful setting, it’s a business park designed with focus and wellbeing in mind, giving you more clarity per square metre.
For more information about basing your business at Burrough Court and taking advantage of the tranquil surroundings in the rural countryside visit www.burroughcourt.com.