In 1960, research began at the University of California, Berkely, by Mark Rosenzweig on rats.
He compared single rats in normal cages, with other rats that were raised with toys, ladders, tunnels and running wheels and also in groups. Rosenszweig found that growing up in enriched environments helped neurodevelopment, cerebral cortex thickness and greater synapse thickness*
This suggests that a lack of stimulation delays cognitive development. While it could be that this is more pronounced during developmental years, we also know that changes in the brain are available throughout life.
For the entrepreneur or business owner, or anyone who is able to adjust their workplace environment, this remains relevant, as we spend much of our waking time here.
There are a few indoor environment quality checks that can help enrich the area:
– Plants, artwork
– Changes in work environment, remote working, standing desks
– Natural lighting and ventilation
– Regular walks outside, into sunlight
– Lunchtime breaks with social engagement, meeting new people
– Team building activities, games, sports, in particular with new faces or new networks
– Workplace games, challenges, tasks or friendly competitions
For those of us with the ability to create change in our workplace, or how and where we work, this is a no-brainer.
(I have written about staying in stressful situations, learned helplessness and environmental enrichment [here].)
