Why we started Plantclub
#plantswhereveryouwork
When we founded Plantclub in February this year, we set out with a mission to improve workplaces across Europe. What we couldn’t have known was how soon the traditional concept of the workplace would be turned on its head. Here’s our founding story—and how we navigated setting up a company in the middle of a global pandemic.
Who we are
Before starting Plantclub, both of us worked for startups in Berlin, San Francisco, London, and Munich. Jack played a central role in the product and marketing teams at Rocket Internet, Hitfox and N26. Max’s expertise was essential to internationalization and operations at both Circ and N26—that’s where we met, a few years back.
From working in various startup offices we understood the impact of the workplace environment on hiring and retention in a fast-growing company. This got us thinking about what’s important to creating a great work space. How could workplaces be improved to maximise employee happiness and productivity?
Realizing there was a problem
Tech giants are leading the way in reimagining the working environment, bringing playfulness to the workplace and investing in employee wellbeing. Everyone wants the Google office: free meals, endless snacks, kombucha, slides, ball pits and nap pods—all surrounded by a jungle of indoor plants. Let alone a jungle, most of the companies we worked for didn’t have office plants at all. Of those that did, the design was corporate and stiff—the antithesis of the laid-back startup atmosphere.
We knew bringing nature into the workplace could be done better, but the idea for Plantclub didn’t come to us fully formed. To explore the problems companies faced in creating a great working environment, we spoke with over 45 founders, office managers and HR managers across Berlin. From this user research, we identified trends and found clear opportunities for action: employees wanted plants, but office managers didn’t know how to select the right types, had no time for plant care, and lacked the knowledge to keep the greenery looking its best.
Taking action
The working environment plays an increasingly important role in employee retention and attracting talent—but fast-growing startups often don’t have the funding to splash out on expensive perks or branding strategies. Creating a greener workplace—whether at home or in the office—is an easy way to invigorate a company’s brand, and comes with a host of benefits, from better air quality to employee productivity gains.
Existing providers offer corporate planting arrangements or individual plants for offices, but this does nothing to achieve the relaxed, fun environment made so desirable by Google. By contrast, we work with designers to take a holistic approach to transforming a workspace–whether in the office or the home. Another trend that emerged was the frustration that fast-paced companies felt when interacting with old-school providers, who couldn’t meet their expectations for speed and flexibility. That’s why we offer no-strings consultations, fast installations and flexible cancellation.
Our tiered membership pricing allows all types of company to rejuvenate their space and enliven their employee perks, regardless of size. With monthly membership plans, starting with a free-to-use Home Office plan, we make workplace greening possible without huge upfront costs—both at home and in the office.
Dead or dying plants are worse than having no plants at all. That’s why ongoing plant care is a cornerstone of our offering, to keep the office environment looking fresh and project a company’s brand through their greenery. And another benefit— Plantclub members won’t waste money or damage the environment replacing plants that keep dying.
Adapting in the face of coronavirus
When we founded Plantclub the concept of the workplace was still largely restricted to offices and co-working spaces. Coronavirus accelerated the existing shift towards remote working. As employees abandoned their offices and set up desks at home, the idea of the workplace became more expansive. In response to the rising number of people working from home, we accelerated a plan to launch dedicated Employee Plant Stores: to help companies support their employees in transitioning to remote working with plants, wherever they work.
Through personalized company stores, organisations can give their employees access to plants at home—to increase oxygen flow and create a calmer, more productive working environment. Companies can gift plants to employees on birthdays or anniversaries, and extend their employer brand beyond the office, with plant-based perks. Shopify, Twitter, and other companies have announced a longer-term shift towards remote work, and given each employee a budget to furnish their home office—signalling these practices are here to stay.
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.
