For the purpose of this article, we limit our focus to knowledge workers and the activities that they commonly engage in at work, as they make up a considerable portion of workers in developed nations (McCoy, 2002).īeyond the built aspects of physical environments, researchers have also examined how access to nature can influence worker performance, well-being, and comfort. Moreover, the degree of influence and suitability of individual physical environments on worker performance appears to vary for different workplace activities. In general, existing research indicates that spatial qualities can influence worker performance. The effects of other spatial qualities, such as color (e.g., Lichtenfeld et al., 2012, Mehta and Zhu, 2009), have also been found to depend on the type of activity that is being conducted. (2011) conducting complex tasks in isolation increases task performance, and provides creative workers opportunities to avoid overstimulation and other environmental stressors associated with non-private workspaces. These findings are echoed in a review of previous research by Davis et al. For instance, existing research suggests that open, spacious settings are more conducive to work that involves abstract, relational, and creative thinking (Leung et al., 2012, Meyers-Levy and Zhu, 2007), as well as communication and collaboration, while enclosed, private spaces appear to be superior when work requires high levels of focus with minimal distractions (Vischer, 2008).
Furthermore, whether certain physical environments improve or impair worker performance critically depends on the specific activity at hand (Meusburger, 2009). Far from inconsequential, the physical environment that surrounds workers can have a considerable impact on their work performance (e.g., Brill et al., 1985, Clements-Croome, 2000, Vischer, 2007). Workplaces are one of the most common types of physical environments that individuals inhabit in their daily lives, with full-time workers spending approximately one-fifth of their time each year working (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, n.d.). Furthermore, access to diverse workspace types with different spatial qualities appears to be highly valued. The results of this research project suggest that natural outdoor workspaces are viewed as highly flexible, multi-use spaces that are appropriate for diverse workplace activities. In Study 2 ( N = 33), wherein participants evaluated various spatial qualities of the natural outdoor and constructed indoor space types that were included in Study 1, the natural outdoor spaces were rated as more fascinating, relaxing, open, bright, and quiet. Natural outdoor spaces were overrepresented as the best spaces for around 75% of the workplace activities, and were underrepresented as the worst spaces across all workplace activities.
They selected where they thought they would best and least be able to perform different workplace activities.
In Study 1, 64 knowledge workers were exposed to images of natural outdoor and constructed indoor workspaces. Thus, in the current research we examine workers’ preferences and perceptions of different natural and constructed (built) environments for different workplace activities. Nevertheless, if nature is to be incorporated within or near workplaces effectively, it is important that workers perceive natural spaces to be conducive, and not detrimental, to performance on activities that they may engage in at work or else these changes to the physical environment may not be fully embraced by workers. From the mere presence of plants to window views of nearby nature, contact with nature in the workplace has been associated with increased productivity and creativity, as well as positive emotional and physical health outcomes.
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