Reviewing the impacts of biophilic elements at workplace

• Main Authors: Alawadhi, Ebtesam, Othman, Jamilah, Md Jani, Haza Hanurhaza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PalArch Foundation 2020
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering; TD194 Environmental effects of industries and plants
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/88093/8/88093_Reviewing%20the%20impacts%20of%20biophilic%20elements%20at%20workplace.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/88093/; https://www.google.com/search?q=palarch%27s+journal+of+archeology
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

concept of biophilia explains the relationship between humans and nature. Humans have an innate desire to connect with nature. There is a scenario where people tend to spend 90% of their time in a built environment. This situation may lead to high-stress levels and mental health issues. For instance, employees within the four walls of the workplace can increase stress levels, which causes both mental health disorders and physical health. Wherefore, the presence of biophilia at a workplace can play a significant role in improving their performance, productivity, well- being and health. This study aims to review the impacts of biophilia among workers at a workplace, while the objectives are: i) to identify the various impacts of the biophilia on human health when they are being connected to nature and ii) to assess the contribution of biophilia towards employees' performance, productivity, and well-being. The method employed literature review focusing on the aspects of biophilia, nature elements and biophilic economics, in which the data is analyzed using content analysis. Here, a coding system was used to support the analysis. The result highlights the importance of biophilia elements at workplace based on two categories: i) employee’s well-being and health and ii) employee’s performance and productivity. Thus, the study suggests that employers, institutions, offices and management services along with others relevant authority to consider adoption of biophilic elements at their workplace. This study anticipates that more research will be undertaken for plant selection, which can contribute to identification of effective outcomes in the future.