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:

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.

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.