Going Green: The Importance of Plants in Offices

There are so many factors to consider when planning your office environment – from flow and layout to furniture, connectivity and accessibility it takes a great deal of effort and attention to detail to create a cohesive workspace that caters to all your staff.

One of the sometimes overlooked but highly important accessories to consider is office plants. Some may think of them only as decorative and a nice-to-have, but actually they play a far greater role than might first be imagined…

Far from being just elements to brighten up a corner, plants bring numerous unseen benefits, including:

• Lowering workplace stress – a study in Sydney, Australia showed tension and anxiety fell by 37% when plants were introduced into the test work environment
• Enhancing productivity – research by the University of Exeter revealed a 15% improvement after introducing just a ‘handful of houseplants’

Lowering blood pressure, reducing fatigue and improving concentration by up to 15% according to the 2015 Human Spaces Report:

• Lowering air temperature by up to 10 degrees Celsius
• Reducing CO2 levels by up to 10% in air-conditioned buildings
• Improving humidity to a range between 30-60% (the recommended range for human comfort)
• Reducing noise levels by absorbing ambient sound

This is not to say that they don’t also bring aesthetic benefits – some offices use large plants and small trees to unique, dramatic and beautiful effect. In fact, studies show that buildings lacking greenery are instantly regarded as less attractive and welcoming – factors that could influence a potential client’s decision at the end of the day.