Greenspace as Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Essentialities in the Physical Environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Occupational Health
• Landscape Architecture

Background:

• Limited research exists on the benefits of human-nature contact in the workplace, particularly concerning outdoor work environments.
• Understanding the physical environment's role in the benefits and challenges of outdoor office work is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore employees' experiences of conducting office work outdoors.
• To identify key aspects of the physical environment influencing the benefits and challenges of outdoor work.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with employees while walking in natural settings they selected.
• Photo registration and mapping of green spaces at six small or medium-sized workplaces were utilized.
• A landscape architectural perspective and inductive approach guided the exploration of employee experiences.

Main Results:

• Key environmental aspects influencing experiences included 'Simplicity,' 'Safeness', 'Comfort', and 'Contact with Nature'.
• Main benefits identified were 'Sociality', 'Well-being', and 'Functioning'.
• Challenges encountered included 'Digital dependency' and 'Illegitimacy'.

Conclusions:

• The physical environment plays a significant role in the success of bringing office work outdoors.
• Recommendations are provided for practice and research to optimize the benefits of outdoor office work, addressing identified challenges.