Title: Getting Outdoors after the Workday: The Affective and Cognitive Effects of Evening Nature Contact
Journal of Management, 2022
Authors: Anthony C. Klotz, Shawn T. McClean, Junhyok Yim, Joel Koopman, Pok Man Tang
DOI: 10.1177/01492063221106430
Reflection: This piece offers a fresh perspective on how post-workday nature contact affects employees’ well-being and productivity. It connects stress recovery and cognitive restoration theories to analyze how non-work activities, particularly those involving nature, can influence positive affect and work effort. The nuanced finding that these benefits are more pronounced in individuals with strong nature connectedness adds a critical layer to understanding workplace dynamics.
Relating this to my own work, which includes system dynamics approaches to organizational behavior and project management, this study inspires thoughts on how leaders could integrate environmental and wellness considerations into project planning. My exploration of remote work settings underscores the importance of balancing mental well-being with professional obligations. The insights from this article about the role of nature align with strategies I’ve proposed in my book to promote productivity and team cohesion in remote and hybrid work environments. It reinforces the need to view project management not just as a technical endeavor, but as one interwoven with human psychology and well-being.