Regardless of whether you are a plat person or not, it’s a fact that humans have an intrinsic desire to be in contact with nature. Scientists call this “biophilia”. In this day and age, we spend so much time at work—or at home, working—and ignore the environment of our workplace, which is often plant-less.
Keeping plants at your workspace or at-home work desk has benefits beyond photo-worthy aesthetics too. Let’s look at some of these below. Remember to read till the end for our work plant recommendations!
- Stress less
A study conducted by the new University of Technology, Sydney, suggests significantly lower levels of stress among workers in the presence of plants. The results show that workers were 37% less tense and anxious, 58% less depressed, 44% less angry, and 38% less tired. The study concluded that “just one plant per workspace can provide a very large lift to staff spirits, and so promote wellbeing and performance.” Further, advocates of colour psychology say that the green colour has a calming effect on the brain. So, decorating offices withshades of green using plants and other objects could potentially work wonders.
- Hello productivity
A major challenge faced by anybody who has any kind of job is productivity. Especially during the pandemic, when it feels like we are all chanting the same one-liner in unison, going, “I have no motivation”. According to a 2014 study by the University of Exeter, the productivity rate goes up by 15% when previously plant-less workspaces are filled with just a handful of houseplants. So, you can start small by putting a low-maintenance pot of greens on your desk and feel the difference yourself.
- Fewer sick employees and absentees
A study conducted on 7,600 office workers across 16 countries shows that about 58% of the staff that had no live plants in their workspaces were more likely to have sick and absent employees than those who had natural elements. The latter group reported a 15% higher wellness score and 6% higher productivity. So if you are struggling with team members who fall sick often and end up taking lots of leaves, consider adding plants to the workspace and employee desks. Don’t be cynical; numbers don’t lie!
- Fresh air for free
Humans need oxygen to survive, but you already know that. Plants take in carbon dioxide and combine it with water and light to produce energy (photosynthesis), but you already know that too, right? So when these facts are so well known, why don’t we add more greens to our workstations and enjoy the all-natural air- purifying benefits they offer?In the 1980s, NASA scientists discovered specific plants that are experts in removing harmful chemicals (benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde) from the air. These plants, including English Ivy, Devil’s Ivy, Bamboo Plant, and Chinese Evergreen, make the air cleaner for us to breathe.
- Plants = Peace
Did you know that plants can also absorb sounds and make a place less noisy? Yes, plants potted in large planters can help reduce the distraction of office chatter. You can strategically place pots in multiple locations, such as edges and corners of a room, for many positive benefits.
- Get creative
Research shows that employees whose offices had natural elements scored 15% more on the creativity front than those whose offices didn’t have such elements. Moreover, attention restoration theory says that looking at nature—even just through images—can place the brain into an entirely different processing mode, making workers feel relaxed and focused. So now that you know all the good stuff plants offer for the work environment, which plants should you choose?
Well, you need to keep some restrictions in mind when looking to introduce greens at work. Daylight and watering routine are two such restrictions. Ideally, you want to go for low-maintenance, beginner friendly plants. Some of these are Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Cactus, Lemon Balm, Aloe Vera, Pothos, Gerbera Daisy, African Violet, and ZZ Plant.
