The Benefits of Plants in the Workplace

Time spent in nature is well known to provide many physical, mental, and emotional benefits, but what if your work schedule and career keep you in an office without many opportunities for heading outdoors? You can bring the outdoors in and reap many of the same benefits.

Plants Can Improve Your Workplace

There has been extensive research done regarding the benefits of plants in the workplace. With full-time employees spending approximately one-quarter of their lives at work, it is important that these buildings provide an environment of beauty, health, and comfort. Studies confirm that there are both physiological and psychological benefits to surrounding yourself with nature at work. An eight-month study conducted by a Texas A&M University research team has concluded that plants significantly reduce workplace stress and enhance employee productivity, a win-win situation for both employer and employee. Other studies have verified those findings, as well as expanded the list of benefits plants can provide when used judiciously as part of an indoor workplace.

The presence of plants in the workplace can:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce stress
• Increase humidity
• Reduce illness
• Purify air
• Reduce dust
• Lower energy costs
• Quicken employee response time
• Enhance problem-solving ability
• Spark creativity
• Increase brain activity
• Provide a positive outlook
• Act as a mood elevator
• Have a calming affect
• Boost learning
• Contribute to noise reduction
• Improve office appearance
• Reduce distractions

With so many obvious benefits of including plants in office décor, every office – whether it is a large corporation, a simple business, or a cozy home office – should include at least a few plants.

Bringing Plants to Work

There are many easy ways to blend plants into office décor. Popular ways to integrate plants into the office include:

• Larger potted plants or containers in a greeting or reception area.
• Ferns or hanging pots in broad windows.
• A ficus tree or other large pot near a water cooler.
• Pothos or other trailing plants on top of cabinets in a break area.
• Small plants and flowers on individual desks.
• Decorating for holidays with seasonal plants.
• Giving office plants as gifts for work anniversaries, welcomes, etc.

When choosing plants for the office, be sure to opt for plants that will function best in the environment. Take into consideration temperatures, light levels, and humidity so the plants will thrive. Selecting low-maintenance plants that can withstand good-natured neglect is also wise, so they will still thrive even when project deadlines, committee meetings, and vacation days may make their care sporadic. Fortunately, there are many great plants that can liven up an office, and each one will bring great benefits to the workplace.