Business Planning

Do Office Plants Really Make A Difference To Employees’ Wellbeing?

By Mony Shah

August 26, 2023

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In the bustling world of modern offices, the pursuit of improved employee well-being and productivity has led to various innovations and strategies. One particular trend that has gained traction is the integration of office plants into workspaces.

While it might seem like a simple addition, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that office plants can indeed make a substantial difference to employees’ well-being and overall work experience.

Which Plants Make The Best Office Plants?

Plants ultimately enhance the beauty of a space. And while we talk about office plants, this is the place where we spend most part of our days. But the difference between choosing a plant for office and houses is that in the former we cannot give much time and care. 

Hence, we have to look for plants that are low-maintenance and can thrive even in difficult situations. Some classic examples include:

  • Peace Lily
  • Money Plant
  • Aglaonema
  • Snake Plant
  • ZZ Plant
  • Lucky Bamboo 

These plants are not only easy to maintain but also affordable. You can easily buy 2 or 20 of them. Moreover, your office decoration goes to another level with these beauties. So, what is stopping you from bringing them to your place of worship?

The Advantages Of Keeping Plants In The Office

Numerous studies have delved into the impact of office plants on employee health and satisfaction. These investigations consistently highlight the positive effects of greenery within office spaces.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter found that employees who worked in environments enriched with office plants reported a 15% increase in overall well-being. Additionally, their productivity levels showed a notable uptick.

The presence of plants seemed to reduce stress, improve air quality, and enhance concentration – factors that are crucial for maintaining a conducive work atmosphere. Let us try to discuss the matter in greater detail.

Aesthetics

While the benefits of indoor plants are well-documented, extending this concept to outdoor break areas can amplify these advantages even further. Outdoor spaces adorned with trees and plants provide employees with a refreshing escape from the confines of their desks.

The concept of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature, supports the idea that spending time amidst greenery can have a rejuvenating effect. Easy to grow dogwood trees, for instance, could be strategically placed in outdoor break areas to not only provide shade but also contribute to a tranquil environment.

The visual appeal of these trees, coupled with the opportunity for employees to take a breath of fresh air, can significantly boost morale and productivity.

Psychological benefits

The contemporary workspace has turned out to be full of stress. It affects the health and well-being of an individual.  The nine-to-five workspace increases pressure. The increase of stress and its side effects male employees suffer.  A touch of greenery in the concrete jungle can indeed do wonder. 

Beyond the aesthetic and psychological benefits, office plants also contribute to the work environment in various practical ways. One immediate advantage is the improvement of indoor air quality.

Plants naturally filter the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, which can lead to a healthier atmosphere for employees. This, in turn, may result in reduced sick days and enhanced overall well-being. Moreover, well-placed greenery can act as natural dividers, helping to delineate different sections of an open office layout without the need for sterile partitions.

Reduction Of Noise

Noise reduction is another advantage often overlooked. The soft textures of plants can help absorb sound waves, diminishing the overall noise level in bustling workspaces. This can foster a quieter and more focused environment, particularly for tasks that require concentration. Furthermore, the introduction of office plants has been shown to boost creativity.

A study by Texas A&M University revealed that the presence of plants in a workspace increased idea generation, originality, and problem-solving skills among employees. With a calm mind, the employees do not shout loudly and, at the same time, increase productivity. This is the need of the hour.

Sense Of Ownership

Promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility, office plants can also foster a stronger sense of community among employees. Setting up plant care routines and schedules encourages collaboration and interaction among colleagues as they take turns nurturing the greenery. This shared responsibility can improve relationships and create a more harmonious work atmosphere.

Green Identity

It’s important to note that the benefits of office plants extend beyond the individual to the broader environment. As companies strive to become more sustainable and environmentally conscious, incorporating green elements into office design aligns with these goals. The reduction in energy consumption due to improved air quality and natural shading can contribute to a company’s carbon footprint reduction targets.

This is the age of awareness, and the stakeholders of the society are looking to frame policies that can help reduce carbon emissions. Different International Meetings on Climate change express concerns about the effects of global warming. They create a sense of urgency and awareness towards promoting policies that help them contribute towards a green world. 

Sustainability 

This is the age of sustainability, and businesses adhere to policies that ensure better handling of responsibilities. Sustainability involves taking steps that help conserve nature. Office plants are a great plan, and they cater to the idea of green initiatives. 

Different studies project the opinion that planting green trees caters to green initiatives. 

They also need green auditing so that the stakeholders can understand the need of sustainability. 

Being responsible for the environment itself is a contribution towards sustainability. Looking at the employees’ health and well-being also counts in the sustainability measures. The companies are investing in a greener future. Let it be the mantra to attain success. 

Bringing The Discussion To A Close

In conclusion, the question of whether office plants truly make a difference to employees’ well-being has a resounding answer – yes, they do. A plethora of studies support the idea that integrating greenery into the workplace can enhance overall employee satisfaction, health, and productivity.

From the practical advantages like air purification and noise reduction to the psychological benefits of reduced stress and increased creativity, office plants offer a multi-faceted solution to the challenges posed by modern office environments.

By extending this concept to outdoor break areas, where easy-to-grow dogwood trees and other plants can thrive, companies can further amplify the positive impact on their employees’ work experience.

So, the next time you walk into an office adorned with flourishing greenery, remember that those plants are more than just decorations – they are contributors to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.

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Mony Shah

With an adept skill of curating content on multiple genres, Mony has harnessed success as a Content Writer quickly. Find her sharing profound thoughts and opinions on business, finance and tech niches.

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