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

Author

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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
    Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Cátia Sousa

    (Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
    Higher School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 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
    Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • António Sousa

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Higher Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriela Gonçalves & Cátia Sousa & Maria Jacinta Fernandes & Nuno Almeida & António Sousa, 2023. "Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(21), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:21:p:6986-:d:1268980
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tonia Gray & Carol Birrell, 2014. "Are Biophilic-Designed Site Office Buildings Linked to Health Benefits and High Performing Occupants?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Seulkee Heo & Miraj U. Desai & Sarah R. Lowe & Michelle L. Bell, 2021. "Impact of Changed Use of Greenspace during COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression and Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Birgit Wallmann-Sperlich & Sophie Hoffmann & Anne Salditt & Tanja Bipp & Ingo Froboese, 2019. "Moving to an “Active” Biophilic Designed Office Workplace: A Pilot Study about the Effects on Sitting Time and Sitting Habits of Office-Based Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-13, May.
    4. Masahiro Horiuchi & Junko Endo & Norimasa Takayama & Kazutaka Murase & Norio Nishiyama & Haruo Saito & Akio Fujiwara, 2014. "Impact of Viewing vs . Not Viewing a Real Forest on Physiological and Psychological Responses in the Same Setting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, October.
    5. Carol Dole & Richard G. Schroeder, 2001. "The impact of various factors on the personality, job satisfaction and turnover intentions of professional accountants," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 16(4), pages 234-245, June.
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