Keywords

Recovery from Work Stress, Virtual Nature, Energy, Organizational Intervention, Experiment, Workplace Research

Abstract

Amidst rising levels of employee burnout, research on recovery from work stress has been on the rise. Organizational scholars examining predictors of recovery have almost exclusively relied on the Effort-Recovery Model (Meijman & Mulder, 1998), positing the absence of work demands as a prerequisite for resource restoration. Departing from this perspective and envisioning recovery akin to recharging a battery, the Nature Charger Model was proposed. It suggests that employee energy rejuvenation can occur even in the presence of demands. Specifically, drawing from alternative frameworks (Kaplan & Kaplan’s 1989 Attention Restoration Theory; Brosschot et al.’s 2018 Generalized Unsafety Theory of Stress), ambient nature can provide the context allowing employees to remain “plugged in,” preserving energy while working. This study, utilizing a 2x2 experimental design with nature and work demand manipulations among a sample of working adults, provided partial support for the Effort-Recovery Model, highlighting the energizing effects of brief virtual nature breaks. Additionally, the findings partially validated my Nature Charger Model, reinforcing the concept that exposure to nature during work tasks can sustain energy levels, even without a formal break. This research effort helps advance recovery theory by integrating and testing interdisciplinary perspectives and provides organizations with practical advice on how to foster and retain an energetic workforce. Future research avenues are discussed.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

LeNoble Chelsea

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Identifier

DP0029399

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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