Potential health benefits of nature-based interventions in the work environment during winter. A case study

Abstract

Psychological benefits of bringing nature elements indoors find support in a growing number of empirical studies. The present paper focuses on how nature-based installations in the work environment may compensate for lack of nature and daylight exposure during the winter season and have a potential for alleviating seasonal variation in self-perceived health and well-being. A case study of a full-year strategic work environment intervention including indoor plants and daylight simulation is presented. Indications of reduction of reported health complaints after one year with the intervention among the intervention group compared to the control group, gives support to health promoting advantages of nature-based interventions. Further studies on how office design with the use of nature elements can alleviate season-bound health problems are recommended.