It isn’t just intelligent IT systems that get offices working more efficiently. Did you know that having plants in the office can actually be of benefit, too?
Whether you work in a shared office space or work from a desk at home, plants can be a welcome desk mate, adding interest and colour to a space scattered with important papers, stationary, laptops, computers and other devices. But there is much more to the humble house plant than you might think. State of the art offices are fast learning the impact biophilic design can have on health, productivity and mood.
Want to adapt your office space in the name of your mental and physical health or to just give yourself a productivity boost? The experts at Syntax take you through just some of the benefits you might see with more leafy plants in sight.
Biophilic design is a term that has gained a fair amount of traction over the past few years. And it’s no real surprise considering the powerful impact it can have on our health. Biophilia essentially refers to human’s love of nature and biophilic design refers to any design that embraces natural elements to positively benefit human environments. While there are many industries embracing natural elements for the purposes of increasing human wellbeing, there is plenty of research to suggest its particularly powerful affect on office spaces.
Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing is an issue that is becoming increasingly important for employees looking to create a positive and productive working environment. It is why people have been considering dramatic changes, be it with bringing in a marijuana workplace policy or moving to flexible working contracts. And even if you are self-employed or work remotely on occasion, this same focus on mental and physical health should be kept in mind even if you are just a team of one. Ideally, a company would take measures to ensure that their employees are happy and engaged with their work, like providing mental health sessions with business coaches and other such professionals (why not try here), however, this would not likely be the case for employed individuals. Luckily, research into the effects of biophilic design has also shown a healthier, more positive mindset during working hours can be achieved by injecting your space with a little greenery. A 2010 study documented plants’ overwhelming ability to affect mood and reduce negative emotions within office spaces.
Including a reduction in:
- Tension/Anxiety – 37% reduction
- Depression/Dejection – 58% reduction
- Anger/Hostility – 44% reduction
- Fatigue – 38% reduction
This same study concluded that “just one plant per work space can provide a very large lift to staff spirits, and so promote wellbeing and performance”.
Productivity
Introducing plants in the office can, not only make you happier, but can also increase an individual’s productivity by up to 15 per cent. Offices void of personal belongings and natural elements may not be all too distracting but boring, minimalist office spaces also offer little motivation. House plants can provide a multi-sensory experience which can increase mental health, intelligence and social skills.
Creativity
While there are many jobs completely unrelated to typical creative industries, many roles require a great deal of creative thought and strategy. And there is plenty of evidence to suggest that introducing leafy house plants can do wonders for our imagination. In fact, a study carried out by researchers at the University of Exeter, found that plants can boost creativity levels by a staggering 45%.
Remove toxins
Plants are well known for their purifying properties, able to remove unhealthy compounds released from the likes of furnishings, fittings and other objects found in a typical workplace, providing stifling office air with fresh oxygen. This is similar to the way air conditioning (check out this website for more information on HVAC services) in an office space is used to clean the air and keep employees cool. Air conditioning has become a crucial element of office space for its ability to make the room feel clean and cool, so plants are only adding to this. Extensive research by NASA has revealed that houseplants can remove as much as 87 per cent of air toxins in a 24-hour period.
Want your office overhaul to go a little further than plant life? It may be time to discuss your IT needs with a professional IT expert to get your company tech up to date.
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