Utilizing the nature connection in the work environments
Klen, Julia (2021)
Klen, Julia
2021
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021112922355
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021112922355
Tiivistelmä
The objective of the thesis was to discover how the nature connection currently occurs and actualizes in different workplaces. The purpose was to study what concrete actions were done in terms of the nature connection at workplace context by both employer and employee. Moreover, the intention was to find out, whether the actions done affected to the experienced wellbeing at work.
The theoretical framework of the study was based on the literature about the beneficial effects of natural environments, the relationship between humans and nature and the concept of biophilia and biophilia hypothesis, where the key sources used included the Forest medicine by Li (2013), Shinrin Yoku-The Art and Science of Forest Bathing by Li (2018) and Terveysmetsä by Leppänen & Pajunen (2021). Moreover, the framework was based on the concepts of occupational health and holistic wellbeing at work, as well as the utilization of nature elements in the interior design to improve the wellbeing in the workplace context.
The study was conducted using the quantitative research method and survey as a data collecting tool. The public weblink for the online survey was shared to the target group, which was limited to office workers. Therefore, the link was shared among commissioners and in the network of the author, as well as in several Facebook groups. The survey link was opened on 28 of May 2021 and closed 18 of August 2021 and 138 responses in total were received. Survey results were analysed with Webropol.
The obtained results of the survey indicated the occurrence of nature connection in majority of workplaces, however comprehensive and systematic approach to consider the issue was mainly lacking. The findings showed that the natural elements used at work and the measures enabling the connection with nature during workday positively affected the wellbeing of the employees. The results also indicated the key elements in forming the nature connection at work currently are natural light and living plants. Lastly it was found out that the nature connection was mainly wanted to be strengthen by the employees.
In conclusion, actions to strengthen the nature connection in the workplace context may be beneficial in terms of the wellbeing of the employees. Therefore, more encouragement for exposure to fresh air and nature environments, for example during the breaks is needed. Such practices contribute to better coping with cognitively demanding tasks and prevent mental fatigue.
The theoretical framework of the study was based on the literature about the beneficial effects of natural environments, the relationship between humans and nature and the concept of biophilia and biophilia hypothesis, where the key sources used included the Forest medicine by Li (2013), Shinrin Yoku-The Art and Science of Forest Bathing by Li (2018) and Terveysmetsä by Leppänen & Pajunen (2021). Moreover, the framework was based on the concepts of occupational health and holistic wellbeing at work, as well as the utilization of nature elements in the interior design to improve the wellbeing in the workplace context.
The study was conducted using the quantitative research method and survey as a data collecting tool. The public weblink for the online survey was shared to the target group, which was limited to office workers. Therefore, the link was shared among commissioners and in the network of the author, as well as in several Facebook groups. The survey link was opened on 28 of May 2021 and closed 18 of August 2021 and 138 responses in total were received. Survey results were analysed with Webropol.
The obtained results of the survey indicated the occurrence of nature connection in majority of workplaces, however comprehensive and systematic approach to consider the issue was mainly lacking. The findings showed that the natural elements used at work and the measures enabling the connection with nature during workday positively affected the wellbeing of the employees. The results also indicated the key elements in forming the nature connection at work currently are natural light and living plants. Lastly it was found out that the nature connection was mainly wanted to be strengthen by the employees.
In conclusion, actions to strengthen the nature connection in the workplace context may be beneficial in terms of the wellbeing of the employees. Therefore, more encouragement for exposure to fresh air and nature environments, for example during the breaks is needed. Such practices contribute to better coping with cognitively demanding tasks and prevent mental fatigue.