The Restpod: A Biophilic Micro-Environment for Workplace Restoration and Well-Being

This study examines the restorative potential of the RestPod, a biophilic micro-environment designed to alleviate cognitive fatigue and stress while enhancing emotional well-being in workplace settings. It focuses on perceived restorativeness, restorative outcomes, emotional shifts, and reducing employee burnout. Rooted in environmental psychology, restorative environments utilize natural stimuli to counter stress and boost cognitive and emotional resources. The RestPod applies biophilic design principles, such as refuge, natural connection, and environmental control, to create a restorative experience. Participants used the RestPod for 15-minute daily breaks over one week. Initially, 25 employees from a private company participated, later expanded to 43 additional employees and 22 staff members from the University of Verona. Collaboration with a corporation aims to increase the sample size to 105 participants. Preliminary findings reveal significant emotional benefits and stress reduction after RestPod sessions. Participants reported high perceived restorativeness (PRS mean = 4.25, SD = 1.65) and improved cognitive and emotional resources (ROS mean = 4.57, SD = 0.97). Burnout levels decreased by 5% during the experimental week but reverted to baseline afterward, suggesting the need for consistent practice. A daily 15-minute RestPod session appears effective in boosting mood but requires sustained use for long-term impact. Further analysis of the full sample will validate these findings and explore variations in effectiveness across different worker groups. This study underscores the importance of biophilic design in workplace interventions, showcasing its ability to enhance well-being and productivity. It provides practical insights for integrating restorative spaces into organizational environments to support employee mental health and performance.