Indoor plants and greenery in your workspace have plenty of benefits besides being aesthetically pleasing. In fact, scientific studies have proven the positive effects of having more greenery in the office.

Below are the top six benefits for employees and employers. 

They help to reduce stress and anxiety

Over the years there have been several studies into the effects that plants have on stress and anxiety levels in the workplace. A study carried out by the New University of Technology Sydney found that when plants were introduced into the workspace staff reported a 37% reduction in stress and anxiety levels over a three-month period. 

They concluded that when we look at plants, it helps us to connect with nature, evoking a sense of calm that we don’t usually get in the hustle and bustle of urban environments.

They help to boost productivity

According to a research study from the University of Exeter, employees perform much better in their roles when plants are introduced to the workspace. When plants were introduced to the workspace, the study found that employees were 15% more engaged with their surroundings and achieved a much greater output as they were able to stay focused for longer.

Plants help to improve air quality

We spend most of our time indoors and indoor pollution caused by cleaning products, dust, and other airborne pollutants can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

Reducing the use of chemicals and improving ventilation is key, but another way to purify the air quality in the office is by adding plants to your workspace. 

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into oxygen-rich air via photosynthesis. Research has proven that indoor plants have been shown to reduce carbon dioxide levels by as much as 25% which can help to alleviate many symptoms associated with stress including headaches.

Inspire creativity

Natural features have been inspiring creative individuals for thousands of years, but did you know that you don’t need to be sat on a glorious golden sandy beach with stunning blue waters to help ignite the creative light in you? 

In fact, an eight-month study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University found that people working in offices that had plenty of plants generated up to 15% more ideas and demonstrated more creative thinking than those who worked in offices with very little to look at. 

They make workspaces more attractive to clients and job applicants

Any company will tell you that they want their clients and job applicants to walk away from their office with a great first impression, and one major feature that can support that is by creating an inviting and hospitable office space with plenty of foliage. 

By adding plants to reception areas and office spaces, it can help to portray a sense of positivity and make the office a more welcoming place for visitors. 

They help to reduce ambient temperatures and noise

With the cost-of-living crisis on everyone’s mind, people are wondering how they can keep energy bills down in the office space. And did you know that installing plants and living greenwalls can help to lower the ambient temperature in your office space. By absorbing and reflecting light, plants help to take in heat meaning that you won’t have to rely on the air conditioning so much in the summer months!

As well as having a cooling effect, plants can also help to reduce ambient noise in the workplace as they act like acoustic insulators helping to keep much of the background noise down in busy office spaces. 

Which plants are best for an office environment?

Not every plant is going to be right for your workspace, so you need to ensure you get it right. You need to consider your office layout and any restrictions such as availability of light, how often they can be watered and office temperatures. 

If you’re searching for office plants that will help to boost staff morale, improve creativity and are easy to look after, then you should consider plants like the Chinese Money Plant, Spider Plants and Succulents as these thrive in a variety of conditions, don’t need regular watering, and can help to add a sense of calm to the environment.

Conclusion

Adding plants to your office space is a fantastic idea. It brings a whole array of benefits for your staff, workspace and planet and they also take up minimal space. The great thing about plants is that they have great potential to modernise many urban office environments. 

By actively removing toxins from the air and helping you to create a clean air environment, plants could be just what you need to help with wellness and boost staff morale.