Staff uses and experiences of restorative spaces at work in the NHS V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Creating and experiencing staff restorative spaces at work: The impact of rest and recovery rooms on well-being amongst NHS Staff.
IRAS ID
287808
Contact name
Antonia Ivaldi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aberystwyth University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
16024, Aberystwyth University Ethics Registered No.
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 5 days
Research summary
This qualitative project seeks to examine the uses and experiences of ‘rest and recovery' spaces for NHS staff in hospital settings. These are purposely created staff indoor and/or outdoor spaces that incorporate nature for the enhancement of staff well-being. In contrast to standard staff rooms, their purpose is to create a more enriched and productive break away from work, that can assist in a resurgence of energy and focus for the individual so that they return to work with a greater experience of well-being and productivity. Previous research using restorative spaces at work has shown that they can create a sense of well-being, but without actually examining how they generate actual experiences of well-being. The study answers the overarching research question: How are workplace rest and recovery spaces experienced in NHS settings, and what is the impact on users’ well-being in the immediate and longer term? It will be of benefit to NHS staff in building resilience and enhancing well-being as the importance of breaks and restoration is realized. The research is funded by Aberystwyth University.
Twenty NHS staff members will be invited to take part in one online (Skype/Teams) 60 minute in-depth interview. All staff are eligible to take part. Questions will focus on the perception of breaks and importance for well-being, what assists or hinders their use of the space, the aspects and features of the spaces that generate well-being, and nature’s role in enhancing this experience. Participants will be asked about the current Covid-19 health crisis and how it is affecting the use and engagement of the space itself and their ability to have effective breaks with social distancing restrictions in place. Data will be analysed using thematic and discourse analysis in order to focus on both the patterns and language used in staff experiences.
REC name
N/A
REC reference
N/A