Epidemiology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Research has shown that restorative effects of nature decrease stress and increase empathy, cooperation, well-being and
good health. Well-being promotes creativity and productivity. Swedish builders and property managers work with leading
researchers in stress, rehabilitation, city planning and architecture to jointly develop methods, criteria and standards to make
work environments more restorative and innovative, to profile Swedish know-how as leading and to implement findings
among certification authorities. The expected effects are better profits for businesses renting from the involved real estate
companies and increased export. Highly restorative workplaces lead to decreased illness absence and exclusion and improved
well-being and social relations. Sweden is leading in garden therapy and rehabilitation for work-related stress illnesses. This
project will allow us to apply our knowledge to promoting well-being even among the healthy. The project has now finished an
initial study of the Karolinska Institute workplace/campus. Environmental analysis show differences among the staff categories
PhD-students, post doc and senior researchers, and their feeling of stress associated between with window views and green
outdoor qualities. 850 responded the questionnaire to the total staff 2.200 persons. A further step is to develop methods to
improve outdoor qualities, and follow up effects. A final aim is to develop standards for certification authorities. The incitement
for participating construction developers and real estate companies is to profile their competence in creating good work
environments.

Biography