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The post-pandemic world is still recovering and evolving in several ways. Many people find themselves fighting with an invisible adversary — hyper productivity. Rapid societal and technological advancements that were further accelerated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created significant shifts in the workplace. In some instances, the pandemic intensified the need for increased efficiency and led to outputs that were once unimaginable. And yet, these advancements have left many with apparent symptoms of stress, burnout and diminished attention capacity. This phenomenon has prompted the re-examination of individuals’ relationship with productivity and overall well-being. Although the issue is undeniably intricate, one possible resolution lies within the parts of the world that we most often overlook — nature. One way in which park and recreation professionals could leverage nature-based experiences in the workplace and the delivery of their services is through a biophilic framework.
What Is Biophilia?
Biophilia, a term created by U.S. biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson, refers to the human tendency to seek out connections with nature and other forms of life. Since biophilia’s introduction nearly 40 years ago, many scholars have explored ways in which nature could be utilized as a potential remedy for improving mood, state of mind and even physical health. Some of this work even suggests that spending time connecting with nature can decrease mental fatigue while enhancing concentration levels. There are four primary restorative components derived from nature-based experiences, including:
Fascination – Fascination is the ability of one’s attention to be captured without any effort being extended. Due to the lower levels of stimulation offered by nature-based experiences, nature environments often are linked to reflection and self-introspection.
Being away – “Being away” occurs when an individual is removed from typical thoughts, actions or environments associated with productivity and stress.
Extent – Extent refers to a person’s ability to feel immersed within an environment. To achieve this, it’s imperative that the environment offers a feeling of familiarity and security while minimizing the likelihood of danger.
Compatibility – Compatibility is the personal connection between the environment and the individual. This means that the chosen environment must be one that is personal to the individual and not influenced by external reasons or motivations. The more connected an individual feels to their environment, the higher likelihood that they will experience restoration and relaxation.
How can the park and recreation professional leverage these restorative elements to create a more optimal workplace for employees? What about those they serve? Are there ways to integrate aspects of these elements into the recreation experiences they provide in their communities? The literature on biophilic design suggests there are several ways this can be accomplished.
Biophilic Design in the Professionals’ Workplace
Biophilic design integrates biophilia principles into architecture and interiors that are categorized into three main types: Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues and Nature of the Space. Nature in the Space involves directly incorporating nature, like plants, animals, water and sensory elements (sound, light, scent), which are most effective when individuals can interact with them. Natural Analogues use nature-inspired objects, colors, shapes and materials to promote peace and comfort. Nature of the Space includes spatial elements that evoke natural feelings.
Biophilic Design in Service Delivery
Biophilic principles can also be infused into an agency’s recreation programming. This can be accomplished by creating intentional activities and experiences into programs that connect participants with nature. Programs that create safe, controlled environments for participants to interact with nature can help alleviate potential fears about outdoor spaces while also fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for their relationship with the natural world. Scavenger hunts, field trips and other activities that encourage participants to interact with nature, as well as efforts to promote equitable access to nature-based spaces in the community, are just a few examples of ways in which recreation professionals can help participants develop a shared sense of responsibility for the environment.
Connecting with nature and cultivating an appreciation for the world around us is essential to one’s well-being and mental health. In the hustle-and-bustle nature of modern life, it is easy to get caught up in the demands of work, technology and daily stressors. Learning how to foster a relationship with nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood and enhance cognitive function — all key determinants of a healthy lifestyle. As recreation professionals, our commitment to integrating biophilia into the workplace, programming, and park and facility design can help promote a holistic approach to well-being.
Tips to Improve Staff Well-Being Through a Biophilic Framework
Tip #1: Think nature! How can your agency further integrate nature-based elements into the workplace? Consider adding live plants, water or fire features, or other sensory elements in places where staff can interact with these elements. Displaying nature images and creating sensory experiences with natural scents and soft music can also be effective options.
Tip #2: Include nature-based colors, objects and shapes in the design of staff workspaces. Consider painting the office walls in earth tones or other natural colors or incorporating earth-tone wallpaper or even artistic murals. The utilization of stone, wood, clay, cork and rattan-based materials can help create a more nature-based environment. The utilization of unfinished or repurposed wood materials can also provide that nature-based feel.
Tip #3: Think about the space. Explore the layout of the physical workspaces and other areas with high-employee traffic. Can these spaces be designed (or redesigned) with increased access to windows or other ways to connect staff with the outdoors? How can these spaces maximize natural lighting? Is fresh air available via windows, screened-in areas, etc.? Can the space support a few cozy nooks for impromptu conversations among staff or a place for quiet reflection during breaks? Holding meetings in outdoor spaces with greenery and comfortable seating could be another strategy.
Amber Collins is a Graduate Student at the Illinois State University School of Kinesiology and Recreation. Michael A. Mulvaney, Ph.D., is Professor and Provost Fellow at the Illinois State University School of Kinesiology and Recreation.