Stress at work is a frequent problem that employees face. If not managed properly, stress can have a negative impact on both individuals and organizations and companies. There are many ways to cope with and deal with stress. In addition to the often-repeated psychosocial factors, the importance of the physical environment is increasingly mentioned in the literature. Numerous studies have been conducted abroad as part of jobs to examine how access to the natural environment and contact with nature contribute to the better well-being of employees. This is still an under-researched area in Slovenia. The purpose of this master's thesis is to examine the impact of access to the natural environment and the presence of natural elements on employee stress and overall well-being. With this knowledge, both employers and employees can better cope with workplace stress and, as a result, ensure higher productivity. The theoretical part of the master's thesis reviewed the basic concepts, previous research and of the situation in Slovenia related to the topic. In the empirical work of the master's thesis, eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees in three separate locations, in three different types of work environments. The main findings of the master's thesis confirm that the natural environment has a significant impact on the well-being of employees, but this is not recognized by the interviewees as the way to cope with stress. The natural environment and green spaces are a constant factor in the lives of the interviewees. This is possible due to the typical good placement of green spaces in urban areas, and due to well-established recommendations, guidelines, and laws for environmental and architectural planning.
|
