Restorative interventions in workplace environments: a systematic review of theories, methods, and environmental exposures

Work environments play a crucial role in shaping employees’ health and well-being, as workers spend most of their time indoors. In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to restorative workplace environments, particularly those integrating natural elements and biophilic design; however, existing evidence remains fragmented across theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and measurement strategies. This systematic review maps how restorativeness is conceptualized and investigated in workplace settings, focusing on theoretical grounding, types of restorative exposures, study designs, outcome measures, and methodological gaps. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science using a PICOS-based strategy. Thirty-three empirical studies conducted in occupational contexts were included. Data were extracted on study characteristics, theoretical frameworks, intervention types, outcomes, and methodological quality. Results show a strong reliance on Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Recovery Theory, with most studies examining short-term affective, cognitive, and performance-related outcomes. Real indoor nature and outdoor exposures were the most frequently investigated interventions. Despite a generally moderate-to-high methodological quality, validated measures of perceived restorativeness were rarely employed, suggesting that restorative qualities are often assumed rather than empirically verified. Moreover, most samples consisted of white-collar workers, highlighting the need for research in more diverse work environments, such as industrial settings. Overall, the findings underscore the need for greater theoretical coherence and consistent use of validated measurement tools. Framing the physical work environment as an active organizational resource within the Environmental Demands–Resources framework may support more rigorous research and evidence-based workplace design and organizational practices.