Nature-Based Work and Employee Health

Perspectives from Employees with Limited Capability for Work and Their Workplace Supporters

Bibliographic Data

ID17832925
AuthorsS R Hiemstra (0009-0003-0753-3600, Wageningen University & Research, corresponding author), Jenneken Naaldenberg (0000-0003-2675-4516, Radboud University Nijmegen), Lenneke Vaandrager (0000-0003-2805-7423, Wageningen University & Research)
Year2026
Volume10
Pages100412-100412
Publication date2026-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueWellbeing Space and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2666-5581 • E-ISSN: 2666-5581
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.wss.2026.100412
OpenAlexW7160310311
LanguageEN
References cited49

Nature-based work settings are increasingly recognised for their health-promoting potential for employees with limited capability for work (LCW), stemming from functional limitations due to disability. This study explores how supported employment within integrated nature-based work affects perceived employee health from the perspective of employees with LCW and their workplace supporters. The study was conducted at four governmental nature-based worksites in the Netherlands using participatory observations (150 h) and semi-structured interviews ( n = 26) with employees with LCW, supervisors, foresters and job coaches. Findings showed that nature-based work in the setting studied contributed to three interrelated domains of health. First, physical and mental health was affected: employees experienced improved fitness and strength, greater calm, and a release of tension while working in nature. Second, meaningful participation and occupation were fostered: employees felt valued, connected and part of society; tangible results in nature gave them purpose and pride, while learning new skills, discovering talents and gaining responsibilities supported personal and professional development. Third, work had a broader impact on life: having a stable job provided structure, security and income and served as a foundation for confidence and positive change in one's personal life. These findings imply that nature-based work’s health-promoting qualities stem from the interplay between physical features of nature (e.g. variety, spaciousness, meaningful contributions) and supportive social and organisational conditions that provide care, belonging, learning opportunities, and recognition in a professional role. These insights highlight that fostering supportive conditions strengthens health and enables sustainable work participation for people with LCW within and beyond nature-based work settings.

Employee morale · Human resource management · Key (lock) · Work (physics) · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Work-Family Balance Challenges · Workplace Health and Well-being