A significant portion of adult life is spent at work, making the physical aspects of the workplace pivotal in determining job satisfaction and productivity. Natural elements, like exposed wood, not only boost well-being and creativity but also enhance work satisfaction and productivity.

The Psychological and Physiological Benefits of Wood

The use of wooden materials in interior design has been studied for its psychological and physiological benefits. Research consistently demonstrates wood can evoke positive emotions, reduce negative feelings, and lessen fatigue when compared to non-wooden control rooms. A recent study highlighted a lower immediate stress response among participants in rooms furnished with natural materials, like wooden tables and chairs, indicating a significant positive impact on human well-being.

Wood's natural scent and thermal properties contribute to its restorative effects, with studies showing that the tactile sensation of natural wood can influence the sympathetic nervous system's activity. Interestingly, short visual exposure to wooden materials has been reported to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity.

The Study: Evaluating Wooden Environments



A comprehensive study aimed to evaluate the effect of indoor wooden materials on human emotions, autonomic nervous system activity, and attention capacity in authentic office environments. The study explored whether wooden environments could offer more restorative and relaxing effects compared to non-wooden rooms. Participants reported lower levels of psychological and physiological stress and demonstrated enhanced recovery in wooden environments. Furthermore, the presence of wooden materials was associated with an increase in positive mood indicators and a decrease in anxiety levels, supporting the hypothesis that wooden interiors can have an immediate positive impact.

This study underscores the significant impact interior materials, particularly wood, can have on our well-being and productivity in the workplace. The psychological benefits of wooden materials, alongside their potential to reduce stress and enhance mood, suggest incorporating natural elements into our indoor environments can be a key strategy in creating healthier and more productive workspaces. As we continue to spend a considerable portion of our lives indoors, understanding and leveraging the benefits of materials like wood in our living and working spaces could be instrumental in improving our overall quality of life.

Ojala, A., Kostensalo, J., Viik, J., Matilainen, H., Wik, I., Virtanen, L., & Muilu-Mäkelä, R. (2023). Psychological and physiological effects of a wooden office room on human well-being: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Environmental Psychology. https://doi.org/[DOI]