Creating a work space that encourages creativity, comfort and well-being is important for staff morale and productivity. Sleek modern furniture and cutting-edge technology are modern workplace essentials; but there’s a humble addition that often goes overlooked: plants. Plants and green spaces hold remarkable potential to improve staff satisfaction at work, boost morale and improve retention.

Incorporating living plants, from small succulents to towering palms, in office spaces can provide surprising benefits for employees. Even adding faux plants has great benefits.

Let’s look into the undeniable advantages of bringing nature indoors.

Improved Air Quality

Indoor air quality can significantly impact the health and productivity of employees. Fortunately, plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. Common office pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide are effectively filtered out by plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants.

In a study conducted by NASA, certain species of plants were found to remove up to 87% of indoor air pollutants within 24 hours. By introducing plants into the workplace, employers can create a healthier and more breathable environment for their workforce.

Enhanced Well-being and Reduced Stress

The presence of plants has been linked to numerous psychological benefits, including reduced stress levels and enhanced mood. Research suggests that simply being in the presence of greenery can evoke feelings of calmness and relaxation, ultimately leading to improved mental well-being. In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, participants reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of productivity when plants were introduced into their workspace.

Furthermore, caring for plants can serve as a therapeutic activity, offering employees a brief respite from the demands of their workday.

Increased Creativity

The presence of greenery and natural materials can also spark creativity and innovation, as the natural elements provide a refreshing change of scenery and stimulate the mind. Whether it’s a potted plant on a desk or a lush vertical wall garden, incorporating plants into the office is a visual and sensory reminder of the larger, natural world.

Reduced Distractions

Open-plan offices can often be bustling with noise; low cubicle walls let in natural light but can make it hard to focus when you frequently see folks walking near your desk. Because they can see you, coworkers will often innocently distract you with a quick chat. Our peripheral vision is very sensitive; frequent motion can be as distracting as loud noise levels.

Groupings of large planters can line traffic pathways and act as privacy screens for staff that are seated near heavily trafficked hallways and aisles. Tall plants can create a sense of “shelter” in break-out and huddle areas, creating visual zones and signals that “this is a quiet zone”, “this is a creative zone”, etc.

Improved Acoustics

Plants can serve as natural sound absorbers, helping to reduce background noise and create a more tranquil atmosphere.

Large, leafy plants like ferns and rubber trees are particularly effective at absorbing sound waves and dampening noise levels. By strategically placing plants throughout the office, employers can mitigate distractions and create quieter workspaces where employees can thrive.

Better First Impressions, Incorporating Brand Image

Beyond their functional benefits, plants can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the workplace and contribute to a positive brand image. Does your company have a Sustainability mission or goal? Living plants in the entry, lobby, common areas and customer meeting rooms sends the message that enjoying and protecting the natural world is a company value.

A well-designed office space with thoughtfully placed greenery reflects attention on to detail and comfort, leaving a lasting impression on clients, visitors, and prospective employees. It takes effort to care for plants, it shows that your business invests in more than just the bottom line, it invests time and attention in all types of growth. 🙂

Ways To Incorporate Plants In The Office

• Let staff know they can bring and HAVE personal plants in their office, cubicle or desk—sometimes, they simply don’t know they can. If it’s not allowed, consider a policy change.
• Add a living plant wall in the entry or lobby to create a bold and memorable welcome.
• Use tall plants to line aisles and traffic paths to reduce distractions for staff seated nearby.
• Place a small live plant on each individual cubicle and desk after an office move or renovation as a “housewarming” gift.
• Add as many native plantings and trees to outdoors spaces as you can, including entry and exit doorways, outdoor break areas, parking lots, building exteriors, walkways and paths.
• Add plants of all sizes and types to common areas like cafes, lounges, break rooms so all can enjoy.
• Set a more informal & collaborative tone in conference rooms by adding fun plantings.
• If your business hosts customers, place plants where ever they interact or visit.
• Highlight beautiful architectural building details like exposed brick, vintage woodwork or arched doorways with arrangements of living or faux plants.
• Use large floor planters filled with tall & dense growing plants to divide up large open offices, creating zones for different departments and uses.
• Add plants in front of large windows, reducing glare and taking advantage of the natural setting for a collection of beautiful plants.
• Add large outdoor planters with colorful, seasonal plantings outside entry doors to greet staff and visitors with a cheerful, welcoming display.

Conclusion

Incorporating plants into the workplace is a “trend” that returns decade after decade because it addresses a universal human need to be in and around nature. Greening your workspace with plants (and yes, even faux plants!) is a simple investment in the health and happiness of employees, customers and visitors.

By bringing nature indoors, employers can create workspaces that not only support employee well-being but also creates a culture of innovation and success. Bring a bit of the great outdoors into the office and reap the rewards of a greener, healthier workplace.

Can OFR Help?

Yes! OFR’s sales representatives can suggest where to utilize plants, advising on placements during the Space Planning & Design process. OFR’s sales team members may also have office plant service companies in their personal network to refer you to. And, most fun of all, OFR sometimes has surprise arrivals of faux plants and large planter containers from our office space Liquidations & Decommissions, come shop in one of our retail stores to find some green goodies!