The role of nature in the context of the workplace

Abstract

The well-being of the workforce is clearly a matter of concern to the employer. Such concern translates to considerable costs in the form of fringe benefit packages, health promotion programs, ergonomics, and other ways to reduce absence and enhance health and satisfaction. Despite such efforts, however, one way to address well-being that entails relatively low costs has been largely ignored in the work context. Proximity and availability of the natural environment can foster many desired outcomes, even if the employee does not spend a great amount of time in the natural setting. A theoretical framework is presented that helps explain why even the view from the window can have a positive impact with respect to well-being. Results from two studies offer some substantiation. Further research on the role of nature in the workplace is essential; however, decisions to provide health promoting programs and to enhance fringe benefit packages have not been offered as a direct consequence of empirical verification. While providing windows at work may not be a simple matter, other ways to increase contact with vegetation may provide a low-cost, high-gain approach to employee well-being and effectiveness.

Demand for urban forests in United States cities

“…Other studies have shown that hospital patients recover more quickly and require fewer painkilling medications when they have a view of nature (Ulrich, 1984). Finally, office workers with a view of nature are more productive, report fewer illnesses, and have higher job satisfaction (Kaplan, 1993).…”

Embodying Tao in the ‘Restorative University’

“…ART researchers have also begun to focus their attention on people in their everyday contexts, such as in the residential and workplace setting, where they could ordinarily and regularly find possibilities for restoration over an extended period (Kaplan 2001;Kaplan 1993). Although these studies have focused on restorative experiences supported by solely natural features, such as proximity to nearby trees and vegetation, what they do indicate is the importance of long term exposure to an everyday context, such as organization settings.…”

Improving Organizational Health Through Green Companies

“…Connecting with nature in the workplace can reduce job stress and increase levels of job satisfaction (Kaplan, 2002). Three sub-views are discussed in matching to nature; viewing natural scenes (Cecily et al, 2005) being in natural environments (Cecily et al, 2005) and doing natural activities.…”