WorkWell: Bringing Hydroponics Into the Workplace

The daily grind: A cup of coffee to push through the morning.. A candy bar from the vending machine for a quick boost after lunch, and yet another round of caffeine to stay focused. It’s a cycle many employees know too well.

When break rooms are filled with processed snacks and quick fixes, the office starts to feel like just a place to get through the day instead of a place to feel inspired, engaged and energized. Low energy leads to low motivation, and soon, the workplace is just functioning, not thriving.

WorkWell by Green Our Planet changes that.

By bringing hydroponic gardens into the workplace, WorkWell transforms offices into spaces where fresh greens are always within reach, employees gather to celebrate harvest events, and wellness becomes a natural part of the workday.

When employees have access to fresh, healthy options and meaningful moments to recharge, they feel more engaged, motivated, and empowered to do their best work. Over time, the wellness benefits of nature become a part of your company’s culture, creating a healthier, more connected workplace.

The WorkWell program requires virtually no effort from your organization. We handle the heavy lifting and ensure your garden is thriving, so your employees can reap the rewards.

WorkWell provides a tailored program designed to meet your team’s needs. You will see them become more engaged with regular office harvest celebrations, monthly wellness challenges, and curated events specifically geared for your employees. They’ll embark on a meaningful journey of wellness, education and gardening that they’ll feel every day – all right in the office.

Benefits of a WorkWell Garden Expand Beyond Nutrition

The benefits extend beyond better food choices. Studies reflect the positive impacts of instituting a WorkWell program. Surveys show that 61% of employees said they feel burned out at work. The less enthusiastic and engaged employees are about their job, the less productive they are likely to be. But offices with a flourishing WorkWell hydroponic garden tell a different story: 70% reported a higher overall job satisfaction and 15% even cited reduced workplace stress.

Executives at companies that are using WorkWell also have lauded the impact of the program on their workers.

“This is a fantastic program. Our employees are 100% engaged,” said Tom Thomas, managing partner of Thomas & Mack Co. in Las Vegas. 

In addition, United Way of Southern Nevada saw a sustained 80% increase in team wellness activities and nutrition challenges following the introduction of a hydroponic garden.

How WorkWell Educated, Inspired and United an Entire Team 

When the Green Our Planet WorkWell team arrived at Western Alliance Bank in Dallas, It was an unseasonably cold December day. But inside, the atmosphere was anything but chilly! Excitement filled the air as employees saw the beginning of their very first hydroponic harvest.

In the break room, teams gathered, knives at the ready, eager to craft delicious mocktails. Led by Jenna, our Senior Director of WorkWell, employees chopped fresh Thai basil and mint, turning the space into a lively mix of laughter, learning, and teamwork. Over the next 40 minutes, they sliced, muddled, and mixed, filling the room with the refreshing aromas of Minty Basil Bliss and Strawberry Thai Basil Spritz.

As "happy" hour came to a close, employees lined up at the hydroponics unit to harvest their fresh veggies. Bags quickly filled with crisp kale, bok choy, lettuces, and herbs. The WorkWell team shared recipes and growing tips while employees swapped stories, laughed, and connected over the simple joy of growing food together.

Barbara Kennedy, chief human resources officer at Western Alliance, put it best: “This is one of the best programs for engaging our employees that we have ever had.”

Moments like these plant the seeds of change, reminding us how food, nature, and community bring us together. 

Sponsor a Local School Just by Joining WorkWell

Introducing a WorkWell program at your company directly benefits students in your area. For every workplace garden installed, a hydroponic garden will be issued to a local school with our acclaimed Garden+STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum and wellness programming. Your company’s contribution will provide hands-on learning for the next generation of scientists, conservationists, farmers, chefs, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Want to bring this kind of energy to your workplace? Getting your company involved is easy. Just fill out your company quiz to tell us about your organization, and one of our WorkWell program specialists will work with you to create a tailored solution for your needs. 

For more information about the program, visit the WorkWell page on our website or email us at workwell@greenourplanet.org.