Introducing nature at the work floor: A nature-based intervention to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113884
• Publication Date: 2021-11-27T16:55:16Z
• Authors: Silvie Daniels; Diana B.P. Clemente; Steffie Desart; Nelly Saenen; Hanne Sleurs; Tim S. Nawrot; Robert Malina; Michelle Plusquin
• Keywords: Work; URBAN; Stress; Nature-based intervention; 03 medical and health sciences; Cognition; 0302 clinical medicine; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; Floors and Floorcoverings; BENEFITS; Humans; Workplace; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; ENVIRONMENT; Science & Technology; RECOVERY; DEPRESSION; 16. Peace & justice; 3. Good health; Greenspace; INDIVIDUALS; Infectious Diseases; GREEN SPACES; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; MENTAL-HEALTH; WALKING

Although a growing body of research has shown that exposure to nature restorative effects on human health, the potential beneficial nature-based interventions in working environment are still underexplored. We performed randomized controlled study with program during hours. enrolled employees, participants into two groups being an intervention and control group. Twice week for three consecutive weeks, group participated activities 2 h. The primary outcomes were cognitive performance, burnout assessment, salivary cortisol levels, continuous stress levels. intervention-response analyses using mixed-effects models included random each participant across different examinations. Compared (n = 20), 25) participating had lower Burnout Assessment Tool score (−14.9% CI-16.2 −14.3, difference; p < 0.001), levels (−29.3% CI-34.7 −25.3; 0.001) higher visual information processing speed (7.4% CI6.9–8.0; 0.001). Selective attention improved (−10.6 CI-19.6 −6.9, 0.045), compared controls. This provides novel evidence work hours reduces improves performance. trial is registered ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT04111796.