What are the benefits of plants in the office? Believe it or not, it's actually highly recommended that you adorn your office with plants. Not only does it add a natural aesthetic to the area, but the plant also purify the air. Having certain plants in the office can easily cleanse the air and add more oxygen, making for a brighter and healthier work space. Check out these office plants that can help you be more productive and less stressed!
But did you know that the benefits of plants in the office don't just stop there? According to research, plants can also make you happier. This is because humans have an innate desire to be connected to nature, which is called biophilia. Unfortunately, most office spaces are very monochromatic and contain very little greenery. This can actually be very detrimental not only to your physical health, but your mental health as well. Here are the top 7 benefits of plants in the office.
#1. Plants Help Increase Productivity
A 2014 research by the University of Exeter found that employees' productivity jumped up by 15% once housplants were added to the workspace. It was proven that adding just one houseplant per square meter greatly improved memory retention and helped employees score higher test scores. The most important thing is that you're able to visually see these plants.
#2. Plants Help Reduce Stress
According to a 2010 study done by the University of Technology in Sydney, plants can help reduce stress when introduced into the workplace. The study showed that there was a 37% decrease in tension and anxiety, a 58% decrease in depression, a 44% decrease in anger, and a 38% decrease in fatigue. This comes as no surprise though, as the color green is known to evoke feelings of calmness and relaxation. Even if you work from home, think about adding a green plant or two around your workspace. You'll feel happier, less stressed, and be more productive.
#3. They Make Workspaces More Attractive
You may noticed that more and more workspaces are gravitating towards a more natural aesthetic. This means more open spaces, more light, and more natural elements, which means more plants and greenery. This, in turn, makes the space look more inviting not only to employees, but prospective employees and clients as well. An open, nature inspired space can have huge benefits in the long run.
#4. Plants Help Purify the Air
We, as humans, need oxygen to survive, but sometimes, that air can be filled with pollutants we don't want. Thankfully, plants absorb gases that we don't need and that are harmful to us. They absorb carbon dioxide and combine it with water and light to produce photosynthesis. Additionally, plants are able to absorb certain chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. If you're looking for the best plant to absorb carbon dioxide, look no further than the palm plant. But, a medium sized plant (above 20cm), will work just as well in purifying the air.
#5. They Help Reduce Sickness
In another study, it was proven that workspaces that contained plants reported a 15% higher well being score than those workspaces that did not contain plants. This is because plants can help with mental stress and anxiety. Mental stress can actually transform into physically illness, but when plants are added to a space, this stress decreases. Additionally, workers experienced less headaches, less fatigue, and a decrease in dry skin and eye/nose irritation. These positive results can all be attributed to the fact that plants help cleanse and purify the air, making it easier to breathe.
#6. Plants Can Help Boost Creativity
Another report stated that adding plants to the office can boost creativity as much as 15%, as opposed to those spaces that don't have any plants. There is a theory that suggests that looking at nature (even images), can shift the brain into a different processing mode, helping you feel more relaxed and less anxious.
#7. They Can Help Reduce Noise Levels
Did you know that plants can absorb sounds? Placing a few larger potted plants around the edges of a room can greatly reduce noise levels, helping you to better concentrate and cut out distractions.
