Plants within your office space don't just act as great interior design features. Did you know that a bit of greenery can also contribute towards the improved health, wellbeing and mood of your employees?
There are many benefits that adding plants in the workplace can provide. We teamed up with the plant specialists at Plant Plan to share just a few...
Reduce toxins in the air
The air contains many toxic compounds that plants can be used to remove. Plants act like a sponge, trapping toxins in their tissue or releasing them as harmless by-products. Research conducted by none other than NASA proves that greenery helps to purify the air - see their Clean Air Study.
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Improve employee health
Particularly in an office environment, there are many areas that can be prone to dust. Factors such as this can then impact the health of employees. Washington State University found the amount of dust can be reduced by as much as 20% by adding plants to a space. Partly down to their large surface areas that act as air filters.
More research undertaken at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show states that plants at work can boost staff wellbeing by 47%. This is a substantial increase, so why not try adding a plant or two?!
Boost staff morale
Dr Chris Knight and his colleagues at Exeter University visited workplaces around the world to discover how greenery can boost mood and productivity. When plants were brought into the offices, one per square metre, employee performance improved. Knight explains, “What was important was that everybody could see a plant from their desk. If you are working in an environment where there's something to get you psychologically engaged you are happier and you work better”.
Staff can also be put in a better mood just by adding features such as a green or ‘living’ wall or even a small desk plant. Colourful plants help to liven up an office; leading to a more welcoming and stimulating environment.
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Smart thinking
Offices with greenery and natural light can boost workplace productivity by as much as 6% and creativity as much as 15% according to a Human Spaces report.
After staring at a computer for so long, attention levels can start to drop. Therefore plants can be used as a natural life hack to boost engagement by giving the team something other than a blank wall to stare at. Plants can stimulate the brain and increase motivation.
But which plants should you choose to add to the office? Certain species are ideal for workplaces in which they may receive little maintenance and low levels of natural light. You can also choose between larger varieties that can bring a real wow factor or smaller plants ideal for desks.
Our Plant Recommendations:
- Mother-In-Law’s Tongue: Great for absorbing pollutants
- Kentia Palm: Can handle shady office conditions and dry air
- Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica): Also known for their ability to remove pollutants from the air
- English Ivy: This plant can help eliminate mould and is easy to maintain in a workplace environment
- Green Walls: Can provide a real statement feature and allows offices to install plants without taking up valuable space