Yesterday was World Health Day, a day focused on improving global health. This year’s theme: high blood pressure. Work stresses are a significant contributor to hypertension. Which is why leading edge companies are investing so much in designing feelgood workspaces, complete with abundant office plants.
It is scientific fact that we’ve never lost our hardwired connection to plants. The Biophilia theory suggests that simply seeing a painting of a landscape can enhance our sense of wellbeing. Office Plants can be considered “prettifying décor” but they have effects way beyond adding a bit of colour to a workplace:
Plants reduce stress
Research proves, time and time again, that interiors with green foliage are more relaxing than plant-free spaces. Plants really change the atmosphere of a place, they are natural elements that transmit tranquility and boost workforce positivity. People working in an office with plants claim to feel less pressure than those doing the same job in a non-planted space. Less pressure means lower blood pressure, clearer decision making, reduced absenteeism and all-round higher productivity.
Plants raise productivity
Sedentary roles that involve constant computer use can cause reduced concentration and raise the risk of auto-pilot errors. Research results (1) demonstrate that people who work in an office with plants feel more comfortable and productive. The exact reason is unclear, but psychologists suggest that momentary glances at natural elements can offer refreshing diversion, enough to re-focus on tasks without losing attention.
Plants improve perceptions
When we enter a building or room, plants magnetically draw our attention. They create impressions of health, freshness, growth and vitality. Workplaces are no an exception. Making an office look more natural is a clever way to inspire visitor confidence and make staff feel good about their environment and employer.
Plants increase job satisfaction
Surveys show that working in the presence of office plants encourages people to feel greater job satisfaction. Apart from the role they play in screening and noise reduction plants simply brighten our moods by connecting us with the outside world. They have a calming and healing effect that counteracts the mechanical buzz that soundtracks most modern offices.
World Health Day is a once-a-year occasion to pause-and-think, but workplace well-being is worthy of regular consideration. Something as easy as introducing office plants can bring important benefits way beyond the obvious aesthetic ones. Mummie Plants are an ideal choice in that they never get ill, keeping their peak fresh looks without any maintenance.
Keen to enhance workforce well-being and productivity? Call us on 01 296 4540 and find the best planting solution for your business.
1) “Improving Office Users’ Workplace Perceptions Using Plants“, Andrew Smith
