While walls of moss and elegantly placed pot plants have become a mainstay of trendy, modern workplaces, the benefits of indoor office plants go well beyond their aesthetic appeal.
In fact, studies have found that biophilic design, or the process of integrating indoor plants into your working environment, contributes to reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and productivity, and increased satisfaction.
The benefits of plants in the workplace
They make us happier
Compared to urban environments, we tend to associate the natural world with feelings of relaxation, tranquillity, and a more mindful awareness of our surroundings. Introducing plants into the workplace encourages and cultivates these feelings, even while we’re sitting at a desk. The net effect of this is a reduction in stress and anxiety.
By reducing stress in the workplace, employees feel happier and find their work more satisfying. In fact, one research review found that green and purple plants tend to be the best for reducing negative emotions, like anger and anxiety, while fresh-green and yellowish-green plants contribute to a greater sense of comfort and calm.
They make us healthier
By lowering stress levels, indoor plants can have a direct impact on your health. A decrease in stress tends to correlate with reduced blood pressure, heart rate and tension while also improving sleep and executive function.
Plants have even been found to improve the recovery of patients after surgery. A research review found that patients who were able to look at greenery during their recovery needed less pain medication and spent less time in the hospital compared to those without access to a garden.
They help us focus and tap into creativity
In the workplace, there are many things that can disrupt our focus, from emails requiring speedy responses to loud discussions and ringing phones. While these distractions can drain our attention, plants can help replenish it. By acting as a stimulus that encourages curiosity, rather than demanding attention, plants provide an opportunity for us to build our capacity for attention.
In fact, one global study found that employees who worked in an environment that featured both natural light and plants reported higher productivity levels than those who didn’t.
Plants in the workplace can also provide a creativity boost. This is because natural stimuli encourage us to process information in different ways, promoting concentration and relaxation. In this state, we are more primed for inspiration and idea development.
Indoor plant tips
- Choose plants that will thrive indoors with minimal care, like succulents and snake plants.
- Position plants strategically so they benefit from any natural light without being in the sun all day and rotate plants to share the light.
- Consider self-watering planters that ensure your plants receive the right amount of water.
- Turn your dividing walls into green walls and enjoy the benefits of indoor plants while also reducing office noise.
- Prioritise green and purple plants to promote science-backed workplace positivity.
- Don’t just stop at plants; find other ways to make your work environment more relaxing, such as maximising natural light and playing soothing music.
At Central Park, we offer a wide range of facilities to our tenants, including the only dedicated green space in the CBD. Enquire about leasing opportunities and create your perfect office environment filled with indoor plants.