How plants boost workplace productivity
From air quality to natural light to how desks are arranged – the environment we work in has a huge impact on our health and happiness. Companies are beginning to recognize the benefits of green workplaces and embracing elements of biophilic design (the practice of bringing natural features into man-made spaces).
Still, bringing plants into the workplace is often seen as a perk, instead of a priority. Filling your space with greenery not only looks beautiful – although the aesthetic benefits are reason enough to add a few desk plants. Time and again, studies have shown that plants have a measurable effect on employee wellbeing and workplace productivity.
Everyone wants to work smarter, not harder - plants help with this.
Reduce stress by having plants in the office
Workplace stress harms both individuals and companies. While low levels of pressure can give us the focus we need to concentrate, high-level stress is damaging to our performance at work. On top of this, organizations carry the cost of days lost to sick leave.
Adding a few plants to your office (or home office) is a simple way to relieve stress and boost productivity in the workplace. And you don’t need an indoor jungle to see these benefits. Researchers found productivity gains of 15% with just one plant per square meter.
As more companies adopt hybrid or fully-remote setups, keeping employees engaged is an important consideration. Relaxed teams are engaged teams. Offering home office plants as an employee benefit is a great way to support your remote or hybrid team.
Workplace stress is bad for your productivity as well as physical health.
Enhance workplace efficiency with a touch of green
Stuck on a problem or lacking inspiration? Getting out into nature – or (even better) bringing nature indoors – could help spark your creativity. This study found that simply looking at the color green can enhance performance on creative tasks.
Being surrounded by natural features also has a restorative effect on our brains and helps with focus. A study carried out in Melbourne found when participants looked at a green roof, they could concentrate better and made fewer errors.
Even small touches of greenery can make a difference to productivity.
Boost morale in the workplace by bringing nature indoors
The effect of plants on mental health is clear – working in a green environment makes us happier. But don’t just take our word for it. At Plantclub, we love hearing from our members, to find out how they’re enjoying their new greenery.
We had a chat with Cally O’Loughlin, the Workplace Experience Manager at PlusDental. Here’s what she had to say about their newly green space:
“So many people commented on how the plants have lifted their day. Seeing the additions of plants has been such a nice surprise for people, and has really enhanced their experience at work. The plants make everything feel lighter and bring calm vibes to a high paced environment. Everyone is asking for more plants, and in more rooms, because they feel the effects of them!”
An easy first step to improve workplace morale is to add plants to the space.
Improve physical health with workplace greenery
Happier, less anxious, more focused teams – what more could you want? Well, adding greenery to the workplace can lead to improvements in physical health too. A Norwegian study carried out in the 90s found employees reported a 23% reduction in headaches and fatigue when plants were introduced to their working space.
By promoting employee health and wellbeing, plants boost workplace productivity – everyone’s a winner. Bring a touch of greenery into your space and you’ll feel the advantages, whether you work at home or in the office.
As well as creating a productive environment, your workplace should also encourage you to take regular breaks.
Plantclub.io provides you and your colleagues with the benefits of plants, wherever you work. Rent office plants and transform your space into a green oasis, with flexible monthly membership options to suit your size. Diversify your employee perks with a dedicated company store, where you can give green gifts and your team can buy plants for their home office. Book a time to chat with us today.