The restorativeness at work scale (R@WS): A tool to assess the restorative potential of physical work environments

The present study introduces the Restorativeness as Work Scale (R@WS), a new instrument designed to assess the perceived restorativeness of physical work environments. Drawing on Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan, 1995), the scale focuses on four core dimensions—Being-Away, Fascination, Coherence, and Scope—adapted to the workplace context. A multi-phase, mixed-method approach was employed. In Study 1 (qualitative phase), cognitive interviews with employees guided item development and refinement. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a four-factor structure, leading to a 13-item scale. Study 3 confirmed the factorial structure and internal consistency in a large and heterogeneous worker sample, with evidence of measurement invariance across gender and nomological validity based on relationships with workload, technostress, and perceived performance. The R@WS fills a gap in existing restorativeness measures, which were primarily developed for natural or recreational environments and are ill-suited for occupational settings. This tool supports both research and practical interventions aimed at enhancing the restorative quality of workplaces and promoting employee well-being.