Impact of biophilic office features on nursing managers’ well-being, productivity, and decision-making: a predictive correlational study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The physical work environment significantly influences nurses' psychological well-being and professional performance. Biophilic office design, which incorporates natural light, greenery, and nature-based materials, has been shown to reduce stress and restore attention, consistent with Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Recovery Theory (SRT). However, its impact on nursing managers' leadership outcomes remains underexplored. PURPOSE: To examine how biophilic office features predict nursing managers' well-being, productivity, and decision-making performance, guided by ART and SRT. METHODS: A cross-sectional, predictive correlational study was conducted with 108 nursing managers across six hospitals. Data were collected using validated self-administered questionnaires assessing biophilic office features, productivity, decision-making, and well-being. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. "Predictive" refers to statistical estimation rather than causal inference. RESULTS: Biophilic office features were positively correlated with productivity (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) and decision-making (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and moderately with well-being (r = 0.36, p < 0.01). Regression analyses indicated that natural elements significantly predicted productivity (β = 0.38, p = 0.043), while natural elements and lighting predicted stronger decision-making (β = 0.60 and 0.32, p < 0.05). Organizational culture emerged as the strongest positive predictor of well-being (β = 0.82, p < 0.001). These findings align with ART and SRT, suggesting that restorative office features enhance cognitive and emotional resources supporting leadership performance. CONCLUSIONS: Biophilic office design supports nursing managers' productivity, decision-making, and well-being, with organizational factors playing a critical moderating role. IMPLICATIONS: Incorporating biophilic principles-such as natural lighting, greenery, and restorative layouts-into administrative nursing spaces can promote leadership performance, mental well-being, and sustainable organizational outcomes in healthcare settings. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.