June 28, 2023 Greening Your Workspace

The benefits of office plants on employee well-being.

Organizations have always wondered about the positive influence workplaces can have on the well-being of their employees. They ask questions like, “How can investing in employee well-being make a difference?” and “How can we boost resilience, increase employee engagement, and reduce sick days?” Nowadays, businesses are prioritizing employee well-being when designing their workspaces.

According to a study conducted by Human Spaces in 2015, workspace design can positively impact employees’ well-being. Research indicates that employees experience a 15% increase in overall well-being when designers incorporate office plants into the workspace. Office plants have the potential to enhance brain performance and contribute to a more focused and productive workforce. Here are more benefits;

1. Alleviating stress

Employees’ stress levels strongly affect their happiness. While all jobs have challenges, if a job becomes too overwhelming, it can lead to burnout and employees eventually leaving. Research conducted by the University of Technology in Sydney showed that incorporating plants into the workspace significantly reduced stress levels among employees.

Office plants also help improve air quality by lowering pollutants and boosting oxygen levels. They can promote relaxation and well-being by adding a natural element to the workplace.

2. Inspiring productivity

Including office plants can be a powerful motivator and inspiration for increased productivity. It may not surprise you that workplaces without decorations are often considered “the most toxic working environment.” According to Dr. Chris Knight and a team of Exeter University psychologists, employees perform better when their workspaces include household plants.

After conducting a 10-year study on this topic, they found that workers are 15% more productive when houseplants and decorations are around.

3. Improving employee health and reducing sick days

Office plants can have an immediate positive impact on employee health. These plants naturally filter out toxins and improve the air quality in the office. If your workplace has poor ventilation, there’s a risk of experiencing “sick building syndrome.” Symptoms of this syndrome include headaches, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and even flu-like symptoms. While plants alone can’t solve all the problems related to this office phenomenon, they can provide some relief and alleviate the burden to some extent.

4. Boosting creativity

Many corporate environments highly value creativity because it fosters innovation and problem-solving. Office plants can significantly contribute to increasing idea production and stimulating creative thinking. Researchers have associated the presence of plants with higher memory retention, improved concentration, and enhanced cognitive performance.

Sometimes, taking a moment to stop and smell the plants helps lift your spirits. Office plants can encourage employees to think creatively, explore new viewpoints, and create novel solutions to problems by establishing a green and lively work atmosphere.

5. Aesthetic benefits

Office plants significantly improve the aesthetics of work areas. The plants’ brilliant hues and luxuriant green leaves give an otherwise sterile environment a natural and refreshing touch. They produce an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming ambiance, which increases the visual stimulation and comfort of the workplace for workers.

Conclusion

Incorporating a few low-maintenance plants into the workspace is a great way to boost employee morale. As you observe the positive effects, you can gradually expand your collection. Embrace the wonderful world of office plants and discover how they can enhance your day.

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