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The Impact of Green Spaces on Workplace Creativity: A Systematic Review of Nature-Based Activities and Employee Well-Being

Author

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  • Varvara Charisi

    (Department Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece)

  • Aglaia Zafeiroudi

    (Department Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece)

  • Ioannis Trigonis

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece)

  • Ioannis Tsartsapakis

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62100 Serres, Greece)

  • Charilaos Kouthouris

    (Department Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece)

Abstract

Workplace mental health is a critical social issue with significant human and economic costs, making its sustainable management essential for long-term well-being and productivity. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) offer a promising cost-effective approach to enhancing employee creativity and well-being. This paper systematically reviewed NBIs—such as outdoor exercise, green space engagement, and nature-centered activity—and their effects on workplace creativity, subjective well-being, and mental health. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar yielded 508 studies published from 2017 to 2024. Seven studies met our inclusion criteria, involving real workplace settings, NBIs as primary interventions, and clear comparison groups. Analysis covered study design, sample size, intervention type, and outcomes, focusing on creativity and well-being. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Bias Risk Tool and the ROBIN-I tool. Results were grouped into five themes: mental health metrics, cognition and creativity, rehabilitation and regeneration, job and life satisfaction, and physiological outcomes. Findings highlighted the positive impact of NBIs on mental health and creativity, though results for other outcomes were mixed. Methodological variability and potential bias limited the strength of conclusions. Future research should prioritize large-scale, methodologically rigorous trials aligned with contemporary theories on workplace environments and creativity.

Suggested Citation

  • Varvara Charisi & Aglaia Zafeiroudi & Ioannis Trigonis & Ioannis Tsartsapakis & Charilaos Kouthouris, 2025. "The Impact of Green Spaces on Workplace Creativity: A Systematic Review of Nature-Based Activities and Employee Well-Being," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:390-:d:1561592
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcia P. Jimenez & Nicole V. DeVille & Elise G. Elliott & Jessica E. Schiff & Grete E. Wilt & Jaime E. Hart & Peter James, 2021. "Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Matthew H. E. M. Browning & Alessandro Rigolon, 2019. "School Green Space and Its Impact on Academic Performance: A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-22, February.
    3. Victoria Linn Lygum & Katia Dupret & Peter Bentsen & Dorthe Djernis & Sidse Grangaard & Yun Ladegaard & Charlotte Petersson Troije, 2023. "Greenspace as Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Essentialities in the Physical Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-19, August.
    4. Ian Lahart & Patricia Darcy & Christopher Gidlow & Giovanna Calogiuri, 2019. "The Effects of Green Exercise on Physical and Mental Wellbeing: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-26, April.
    5. Margaret M. Hansen & Reo Jones & Kirsten Tocchini, 2017. "Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-48, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marcos Vinícius de Castro & Rogerio Galante Negri & Fabiana Alves Fiore & Adriano Bressane, 2025. "Nature-Based Solutions in Workplace Settings: A Scoping Review on Pathways for Integrated Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-27, September.

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