Adding plants to your office is something that every business should strongly consider.
The physical and psychological benefits are scientifically documented.
Quite often the biggest objection to adding live greenery is the potential costs involved. However, the long term benefits and productivity increases can be significant enough for any cost conscious business owner or manager to perhaps reconsider adding live plants.
Here are just a few of the benefits of greening up your workspace:
Reduce stress
Introducing plants to your working environment reduces stress. In this study significant reductions were recorded where plants were located in the office, including:
• Tension/Anxiety – 37% reduction
• Fatigue – 38% reduction
• Depression/Dejection – 58% reduction
• Anger/Hostility – 44% reduction – 37% reduction
To sum it up:
This study shows that just one plant per work space can provide a very large lift to staff spirits, and accordingly promote higher morale and performance.
Increase Productivity
Productivity is known to be improved in an environment were plants are present.
Cognitive tasks, concentration and focus are all improved, therefore increasing productivity for employees.
In numerous studies it has been found that fewer mistakes are made, tasks are completed faster and, in the case of computer workers, productivity increased by between 10%-15%.
The higher level of concentration can be attributed to the plants ability to reduce excess carbon dioxide in the air.
Reduce Sickness and Absenteeism
Introducing plants to an office environment has been reported to reduce absenteeism by up to 50%, and reduce minor illness by 30%.
Reducing absences within the business not only maintains productivity, but will reduce the cost of absences year after year.
Cleaner Air to Breathe
By introducing just a few live plants, air quality can be improved within the office. CO2 can be reduced by 50% as well as a reduction in the dust, bacteria and mould which would otherwise be inhaled by employees. Dust levels in the workplace can be reduced by up to 20 per cent when plants are introduced
With correct placement of plants, the need for air con can also be reduced and the air kept at a higher humidity (up to 20%).
By reducing the dry air caused by air conditioning and increasing humidity, illnesses such as tickly coughs are much less common.
Noise Reduction
One lesser known advantage of plants is their ability to reduce ambient noise within an office, as much as 5 decibels. Background noise, which could otherwise be distracting, is considerably reduced allowing employees to concentrate on their work.
Increased Creativity
In one study, plants were seen to increase creativity by 15%. One theory suggests that plants being present invoke our ancient instincts that there is food nearby (berries, fruit etc) and so we relax, become calmer, are happier and more creative.