Nature at Your Desk: The Hidden Health Boosts of Office Plants
Interior landscapes such as office spaces can impact creativity and productivity by using live plants to create urban green spaces. Research on plants in workplaces shows there are numerous benefits to incorporating indoor plants. Here are two distinct advantages of designing a green space in your workplace.
Health Benefits:
- Improved Air Quality: Plants act as natural air purifiers by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. They can help remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment.
- Humidity Regulation: When plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, they help maintain optimal humidity levels in indoor spaces. This is particularly beneficial in environments with air conditioning or heating systems that tend to dry out the air.
- Stress Reduction: The presence of plants has been linked to reduced stress levels and increased feelings of well-being. Greenery in the office can create a more relaxed atmosphere and contribute to a positive work environment.
- Increased Productivity: Studies have suggested that having plants in the workplace can enhance productivity and concentration. The visual appeal of plants and the connection to nature may help reduce mental fatigue and improve focus.
- Noise Reduction: Some larger plants can absorb and diffract sound waves, contributing to a quieter and more peaceful work setting. This is especially helpful in open office layouts where noise can be a challenge.
Aesthetic Benefits:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Live plants add a natural and aesthetically pleasing element to the office decor. They work to soften the harsh lines of modern office furniture and contribute to a more visually appealing workspace.
- Biophilic Design: Incorporating elements of nature, such as live plants, aligns with the principles of biophilic design. This design philosophy recognizes the innate human need for connection with nature and seeks to integrate natural elements into the built environment.
- Customizable Decor: Plants come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. Businesses can tailor office decor to match the company's branding or employees’ preferences.
When selecting plants for an office environment consider factors such as lighting conditions, maintenance requirements, and potential allergies among employees. Regular care, watering, and providing adequate light will contribute to the vigor of the plants and maximize their benefits in the workplace. You could network with colleagues for backup plant care. Studies show that live indoor plants or window views of green spaces have a significant positive effect on workers' perceptions and job satisfaction compared to workplaces without them. The workplace is also perceived as a healthy and productive space when interior plants are present.
Plants Best Suited for Offices:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Known for its air-purifying qualities and low maintenance requirements.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A resilient plant that helps improve air quality and is easy to care for.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Tolerant of low light conditions and requires minimal watering.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Versatile and adaptable, able to thrive in various light conditions.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Known for its elegant white blooms and effective air purification.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Adds a touch of greenery and is relatively low maintenance.
- Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina): Versatile low maintenance, drought resistant plant suitable for office spaces.
- Succulents
- Select Orchids
- Select Ferns
Authored by Rani Muthukrishnan, Director of Research Compliance
Texas A&M University San Antonio
#December2023