MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Creating Jobs and Workspaces That Energize People

We spend about 92% of our lives indoors, on average. That was true even before COVID-19 prompted people to hunker down and observe social-distancing protocols. Without intervention, it’s a trend that’s likely to continue long after the pandemic abates.

Excessive time inside is problematic in light of what’s called the biophilia hypothesis — the widely held idea that because humans evolved in close connection to nature, we still harbor a strong innate desire to be in contact with natural elements and processes. When we fulfill that desire, research suggests, we tend to experience greater vitality and willpower, feel a sense of mental clarity, and engage in increased helping behavior; when we don’t, findings indicate that we are more susceptible to stress, depression, and aggression. Imagine the impact that’s likely to have on work performance.

About the Author

Anthony C. Klotz is an associate professor of management at Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.

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