Biophilic architecture and workplace attachment: a mediated moderation model of employee emotions and green satisfaction

Purpose This research aims to examine how biophilic architecture affects feelings of an employee towards workplace particularly through the mediatory effects of employee emotions and green satisfaction with nature settings. This research contributes to the increasing interest in sustainable, people-friendly office design in understanding the psychological pathways that are being impacted. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods study design was used. For the qualitative study, semi-structured interview was carried out on the data of 18 professionals to gather experiential insights about biophilic design. Snowball sampling used for the quantitative survey, carried out among 310 employees of Tier-1 cities in India. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for testing the proposed model of moderated mediation. Findings These findings indicate that the biophilic architecture elements-nature incorporation and nature inspiration exert a positive influence on employee emotions which in turn promotes green satisfaction and attachment to the workplace. Employee emotions mediate the relationship between biophilic architecture and workplace attachment. Practical implications In incorporating nature-focused elements into the office design, the management of the office spaces can increase the well-being of the office staff and their association with the organisation. When organisations focus on the physical settings includes environment, it can be seen to improve office morale and engage the staff in higher numbers. Originality/value This paper contributes to the facility management literature by deriving a mediated moderation model that links biophilic architecture to employee attachment through emotional and environmental satisfaction pathways. It also extends the theoretical application of attention restoration theory and self-determination theory towards workplace design research in emerging economies.