From boredom to bliss: unravelling the influence of biophilic office design on gen Z’s mental well-being and contentment

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the connection between biophilic workplace design and its effect on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and job contentment. The aim is to provide insights for the top management to acknowledge and implement biophilic workplaces to create a more productive and fulfilling work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study is supported by a literature review of 45 peer-reviewed papers. The research involved a comprehensive review of databases such as Scopus, EBSCO, Elsevier, Jstor and Google Scholar using relevant keywords and Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria for the study are limited to articles published between 2013 and 2024. The review results provide insights into the current state of research on biophilic office spaces and their impact on Gen Z employees’ mental well-being and productivity.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal how biophilic office design positively impacts the mental well-being and job contentment of Gen Z employees, leading to increased productivity. It demonstrates that being around elements of nature at work can reduce stress and enhance cognitive function, leading to increased job contentment.

Originality/value

Few studies have been done on the impact of biophilic-designed offices on Gen Z employees, a cohort increasingly becoming the dominant workforce. The conceptual model proposed in the study has defined the positive aspects of biophilic design for Gen Z employees.