Young employees demand a ‘Green Day’ off every month to allow them to be one with nature

Youngsters believe they should get a paid holiday day every four weeks so that they can “reconnect” with the outside world and away from the office

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Young workers fed-up of being stuck inside in front of office screens want a “Green Day” off once one a month so they can get outside for fresh air.

Youngsters believe they should get a paid holiday day every four weeks so that they can “reconnect with nature”.

Workers aged up to 29 say the typical nine-to-five working day, along with drab offices and too much screen time is leaving them feeling depressed, trapped and cut off from the real world. A poll of 2,000 UK office staff by organic and plant food boffins Ecotone found younger Brits are desperate to swap desks for the great outdoors with almost half (48%) calling for a “Green Day” off once a month.

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The research also found a whopping 88% of Gen Z folk reckon working inside all day has a negative impact on their mental health with a further 30% admitting they feel ‘trapped’ behind walls and screens. Similarly, almost nine in ten (89%) describe working in an office is more stressful than inspiring.

But the moaning doesn’t stop there. A third say they can’t stand the commute, 30% hate the pressure of the office environment and one in four are cheesed off over having to work late.

A hefty 36% of 18–29-year-olds say being trapped in the office all day is depressing and makes them anxious, with 83% worrying that they are spending “too much of their life indoors”. On average, British office workers spend more than 12 hours inside during a typical working day, leaving them feeling sluggish, tired, frustrated and stressed.

Two thirds say they are spending more time indoors now compared to three years ago. Ecotone, which owns Clipper Teas and Kallo, has announced plans to launch ‘Green Leave’ – a new paid time-off initiative designed to help employees reconnect with nature while supporting the planet.

The scheme would offer non-manufacturing staff three days of paid leave per year to volunteer with an environmental charity allowing them to give back to the environment and spend time outdoors.

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.”

Last week we told of a new craze led by influencers advising Brits on how to do the bare minimum when working from home. And we also reported on cops getting caught ‘shirking from home’ by weighing down laptop keys with staplers.

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