Understanding the effects of timber rich workplaces on occupants perceived productivity and health: a pilot study

Abstract

Leveraging the inherent connection people have with nature through the implementation of biophilic design principles is not new. Research has documented how the incorporation of natural finishings (including timber), daylight and greenery can boost workers’ creativity, productivity whilst curbing stress. Despite the body of work, a recent meta-analysis of 49 studies shows that there is a prevalence of (i) confounding factors, (ii) university students as the primary demography and (iii) limited use of quantitative methods to analyse data. This study contributes to this knowledge gap by exploring the effect of timber-rich workplaces on occupant perceived productivity and health. By concentrating on timber, a material of great prevalence within Australian workplaces, this study illustrates the feasibility quantitative methods when investigating the biophilic design effects on people whilst testing a mixed-method blueprint for experiments to be conducted in workplaces. To do this a novel mixed-method pilot study of quantitative survey and biomarkers (i.e. hair cortisol) was deployed in a real-world field experiment setting that included (n = 23) office worker participants working in and then moving from a concrete office space to a timber-rich office space. Results indicate that, following the move, participants reported higher comfort, well-being, and productivity. Analysis of our cortisol data showed lower average stress levels after moving to the timber rich setting (before Mean = 317.200 pg/mg or log(5.33) and three months after Mean = 286.421 pg/mg or log(5.23). That is, office workers had lower cortisol (i.e. lower stress levels) after moving from the concrete office space into the timber office space. Our study provides preliminary quantitative evidence that timber-rich environments provide a viable means to positively influence occupant wellbeing, comfort and productivity. That said, based on the studies small sample size and other limitations the authors caution generalizability of key findings relating to any observable changes. Rather, as the prevalence of timber rich workplaces increases in construction, this study should be seen as a first of its kind pilot study and opportunity for future research into office worker wellness and productivity.