The modern workplace is an evolving environment. It has seen an array of changes in the past decade, and one of the most significant changes has been the emphasis on employee well-being. This shift in focus from productivity to well-being has been influenced by a myriad of factors, but one of the most impactful has been the incorporation of biophilic design.
Biophilic design is a concept that proposes the idea of integrating natural elements into our built environments. This concept, derived from the Greek word ‘philia’, which means ‘love of life’, aims to create a strong connection between humans and nature within our living and working spaces.
The concept of biophilia was first introduced by biologist Edward O. Wilson in 1984. Wilson suggested that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. This idea has since been extended to the design of our workplaces, with the aim of enhancing both physical and psychological well-being.
The application of biophilic design in the workplace is not merely about incorporating plants or natural elements into the office space. It goes beyond that, focusing on creating an environment that stimulates the senses and fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world. This could be achieved through the use of natural light, the incorporation of natural materials such as wood and stone, the inclusion of living walls or water features, or even through the use of nature-inspired artwork or patterns.
The benefits of biophilic design in the workplace have been supported by an increasing body of evidence. Research has shown that workplaces that incorporate elements of biophilic design can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, improved cognitive function, and enhanced creativity (Terrapin Bright Green, 2012).
This is where the concept of organisational neuroscience comes into play. This interdisciplinary field aims to understand the neural, cognitive and behavioural mechanisms that underpin organisational behaviour. By understanding these mechanisms, organisations can better design workplaces that promote well-being and productivity.
One of the key mechanisms that organisational neuroscience has helped to elucidate is the impact of the physical environment on our brain and behaviour. Research in this area has shown that our surroundings can significantly influence our mood, cognition and behaviour. For example, exposure to natural light has been found to boost mood and cognitive performance, while exposure to green spaces can reduce stress and enhance creativity.
Another key mechanism that organisational neuroscience has helped to shed light on is the power of sensory stimulation in shaping our behaviour. Studies have shown that sensory stimuli, such as the sound of water or the scent of plants, can have a profound impact on our mood and cognitive performance. For instance, the sound of water has been found to reduce stress and enhance relaxation, while the scent of plants has been found to improve memory and attention.
The implications of these findings for the design of our workplaces are clear. By incorporating elements of biophilic design, organisations can create an environment that not only enhances well-being but also boosts productivity and creativity. This is not just beneficial for the employees, but also for the organisation as a whole. After all, a happy and healthy workforce is a productive and innovative one.
In conclusion, the incorporation of biophilic design in the workplace is a powerful strategy for enhancing workplace well-being. By creating an environment that stimulates the senses and fosters a sense of connection to nature, organisations can boost both the physical and psychological well-being of their employees. And with the support of organisational neuroscience, we now have a better understanding of the mechanisms that underpin this relationship, enabling us to design workplaces that truly promote well-being and productivity.
References:
Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress recovery during exposure to nature sound and environmental noise. International journal of environmental research and public health, 7(3), 1036-1046.
Becker, W. J., Cropanzano, R., & Sanfey, A. G. (2011). Organisational neuroscience: Taking organisational theory inside the neural black box. Journal of Management, 37(4), 933-961.
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological science, 19(12), 1207-1212.
Browning, W. D., Ryan, C. O., & Clancy, J. O. (2014). 14 patterns of biophilic design. New York: Terrapin Bright Green, LLC.
Terrapin Bright Green. (2012). The economics of biophilia: Why designing with nature in mind makes financial sense. Terrapin Bright Green, LLC.
Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia. Harvard University Press.
