The Relation Between Biophilic Design and Levels of Stress, Anxiety and Demotivation Among Employees in Office Environments in Feira De Santana, Brazil

Abstract

This study investigates the relation between the presence of biophilic design and levels of stress, anxiety and demotivation among employees currently working in office environments, focusing on Feira de Santana, Brazil. With increasing global interest in biophilic design – an approach integrating natural elements into built environments – this research explores its relevance and effectiveness within a specific local context. The primary research question addressed is: "What is the relationship between the presence or absence of biophilic design in office environments and levels of stress, anxiety, and demotivation among employees in Feira de Santana, Brazil?"

A quantitative methodology was employed, using a structured questionnaire survey to collect data from 135 office workers, of whom 115 met the criteria for analysis. The survey assessed participants' experiences with biophilic design elements, their perceptions of stress, anxiety, and demotivation, and their overall evaluations of their office environment.

The findings revealed no consistent or strong correlation between biophilic design elements and reduced levels of stress, anxiety, or demotivation. Surprisingly, some offices with more natural elements were associated with higher levels of stress, which challenges existing literature that typically supports the positive impact of biophilic design on well-being. The study also found that employees in Feira de Santana had not reported a frequency of the highest levels of these emotional states, suggesting a more positive local context compared to global trends.

Despite the lack of direct correlation, employees expressed a preference for workplaces that include biophilic elements such as natural light and indoor plants. This indicates a general appreciation for these features, even if their impact on well-being is not immediately apparent.

The research highlights the importance of contextual factors in understanding the effects of biophilic design and suggests that future studies could benefit from a mixed-methods approach to provide deeper insights that are beyond, however, an extension of this paper. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a localised perspective and identifying gaps in the research on the practical application of biophilic design in office settings