Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Exposure to Nature During Work in a Military Bunker—A Pilot Experimental Study

The present controlled experimental research addresses the effects of exposure to nature on workers’ well-being and job performance in a work-confined setting. Ten individuals working in an open-space office inside a Portuguese military bunker were exposed to simulated nature (audio sounds and/or video images of nature). Quantitative physiological (heart rate) and self-reported measures (perceived positive and negative emotions, environment restorativeness, and work performance) were taken. Results indicate that exposure to nature during working time in confined places, through simulating a window with a view of nature and/or by introducing sounds of nature, promotes physiological and emotional well-being at work (heart rate significantly decreases, positive emotions significantly increase, and negative emotions decrease), and significantly increases employees’ perception of workplace restorative qualities. The results on work performance were non-significant. The present findings contribute to the evidence of the restorative effects of nature exposure during work. The research bridges a gap by considering workplaces where real nature exposure is not feasible and examining the evidence on the beneficial biophilic interventions (the restorative effects of simulated nature) within confined environments. The strategy to use videos and audio of nature may improve the structural conditions of work, benefiting well-being in these types of work settings.