Brossoit and colleagues studied the effects of the macro-environment on professional performance. They report that they “examine[d] associations among the built and natural environment at work and home, experiences of time spent outside (i.e., amount of time outside, enjoyment of time outside, outdoor activities), and motivational work outcomes (i.e., job engagement and creativity). . . . individuals who work and live in areas with greater natural amenities (i.e., access to water, topographic variation, temperate climates) spend more time outside and enjoy time outside to a greater degree, and these experiences are in turn associated with greater engagement and creativity at work. We did not find evidence that the surrounding built environment (i.e., urbanity) at work or home was associated with outdoor experiences or work-related outcomes. Additionally, six categories of outdoor activities were identified in the qualitative analyses – leisure activities, relaxation, physical activities, social interactions, tasks and errands, and travel.”
Rebecca Brossoit, Tori Crain, Jordyn Leslie, Gewenith Fisher, and Aaron Eakman. 2024. “Engaging with Nature and Work: Associations Among the Built and Natural Environment, Experiences Outside, and Job Engagement and Creativity.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 14, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268962