Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review

Gabriela Gonçalves (), Cátia Sousa (), Maria Jacinta Fernandes, Nuno Almeida and António Sousa
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Gabriela Gonçalves: Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Cátia Sousa: Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Maria Jacinta Fernandes: Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Nuno Almeida: Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
António Sousa: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Higher Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 21, 1-15

Abstract: The work environment plays a crucial role in the health and performance of employees. The growing interest in workers’ well-being has driven the inclusion of nature in workplaces, despite many employees spending most of their time indoors, away from nature. Studies show that biophilic design in offices can have positive effects and promote workers’ well-being. However, research on the beneficial effects of nature exposure in the workplace is limited and scattered. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to consolidate current knowledge on the restorative effects of nature exposure on workers during work activities. Different types of exposure, both outdoors and indoors, were considered, with a focus on outcomes related to well-being, motivation, job satisfaction, and work performance. Out of the initially identified 1225 articles, only 16 met the criteria for analysis. Although the analysed studies provided compelling evidence regarding the restorative effects of nature exposure in the workplace, the review also points out gaps and limitations concerning the number of specific studies in this area and the need to adequately assess the sensory dimensions involved in these effects. Conducting more comprehensive and multidimensional investigations into the impacts of nature on the work environment could contribute to guiding more effective design strategies and creating healthier and more productive workplaces for employees.

Keywords: systematic review; workplace; restorative effect; organizational behaviour; well-being; motivation; satisfaction; work performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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