The modern workplace is different not only because of the presence of technology, but also the focus on people. Your office may be in a corporate setting, a desk within your home, or a cowering station. Wherever it is that works for you and your workload, the only thing it really needs to truly be a success is that it must focus on the employee’s’ needs and health (mental AND physical) just as much as the workflow and collaboration process. Plants are the most cost-effective and ecological option to accomplish that goal. In his Ted Talk, Kamal Meattle discussed this exact subject.
1. Improve air quality
Indoor plants can also help to improve air quality by removing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. This can help to reduce feelings of fatigue and improve overall well-being, which can in turn reduce stress levels.There was a study conducted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) which certain indoor plants may naturally detoxify the air around them. Ideally, this is achieved by having plants throughout your home, with one plant for every 100 square feet of indoor space.
2 . Decrease noise & create pleasant aesthetic
You know how an empty room or a tiled restaurant is louder than one with furnishings or carpeting? The same concept correlates with the placement of plants for noise reduction. The bark, stems, leaves, and even soil each do their part to absorb sounds, contributing to a quieter work environment. Indoor plants can also provide a natural aesthetic that can help to create a more pleasant and enjoyable workplace. This can help to reduce feelings of stress and improve overall well-being by creating a more positive and uplifting atmosphere.
3. Reduce stress
Simply looking at plants can help to reduce stress levels and increase feelings of relaxation. Having indoor plants in the workplace can provide a calming and soothing environment that can help to reduce feelings of stress. This was especially visible after the task was underway or even completed in a study conducted by Virginia I. Lohr, Caroline H. Pearson-Mims, and Georgia K. Goodwin of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Their findings were published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture (June 1996). Being surrounded by plants can also help to increase productivity by improving mood and energy levels. This can help employees to feel more focused and motivated, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and increase job satisfaction.
Bringing nature into the office space not only adds color with its greenery, but also life! The presence of a fellow living thing has benefits to companions. There have been numerous case studies, but they all agree that there are real tangible rewards for giving your workplace a touch of greenery. With the quiet companionship of a plant, the draw to care for it may contribute to making your desk feel pleasant and positive. Overall, including live greenery in your office plan is a winning idea that can do more good than harm.
Do you have a plant in your office? What kind? I have a big vintage terrarium that was a gift to a friend in 1970 and is still going strong.
Anchor and Bee 