Hybrid nature

The Hybrid Nature project examines recovering from work in nearby nature and virtual nature. The aim is to produce timely research data on how remote and hybrid workers’ recovery can be supported by means of virtual nature tourism services.

The project is carried out by the Institute of Rehabilitation and the School of Business of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences. The project is funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund.

Recovering from work in nearby nature and virtual nature is examined through multidisciplinary perspectives of health, well-being, and tourism. Recovery is analysed with qualitative and quantitative methods including Firstbeat Life measurements, diaries, interviews, and surveys. This provides information on physiological and psychological recovery in different kinds of nature environments. The results can be used in workplaces to develop operating models to promote well-being in remote and hybrid work.

The study participants who do remote and hybrid work are given an opportunity to test how their bodies and minds recover during visits in the nearby and virtual nature after a workday.

In the first week of the research period, the worker’s recovery is observed during their typical working week. In the second and third weeks, the workers test virtual nature trips and visit a nearby nature area. In the fourth week, the workers take part in group interviews to share their experiences on recovery during the visits and to discuss the areas of development.

More information on the project and processing of the data can be found here in Finnish.