Nature-based awe among water professionals and its influence on workplace decision-making

Time spent in nature is restorative for both our physical and mental health. Awe is frequently evoked by nature experiences and increasingly linked to pro-environmental behaviours. Yet, research into awe’s influence on environmental managers specifically is sparse. Through a survey-based empirical study, we examined water professionals’ experiences in nature, frequency and characteristics of their nature-based awe experiences (e.g., awe experiences during professional vs. personal hours; ranking of awe-inspiring nature images), and awe’s influence on their workplace decision-making. Participants indicated greatest awe related to water-based scenes and activities. Related to professional decisions, participants reported nature-based awe most influenced their decisions around protecting the natural environment. Results underscored the significance of nature-centric awe in shaping water professionals' decisions. By recognizing the profound influence of nature-based awe on individuals, particularly within professional contexts, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how awe-inspiring experiences can promote environmental stewardship in contemporary society.