Modern co-working spaces are not just places to work; they're also the inspiration for making spaces trendy and attractive. Enter any of these in-demand offices around the world and one thing remains constant: the evergreen presence of plants.
Floor plants, desk plants, hanging plants, succulents—there seems to be a leafy patch of green everywhere you look. And it’s because plants have the power to actually transform the energy of a workplace.
It’s true: a decade’s worth of research from universities in the UK, the Netherlands and Australia discovered that adding plants throughout an office has the potential to increase productivity by an incredible 15 percent, as well as boost concentration and employee satisfaction.
“A green office communicates to employees that their employer cares about them and their welfare,” said Alex Haslam, a psychology professor and co-author of the study. The verdict? “Office landscaping helps the workplace become a more enjoyable, comfortable and profitable place to be.”
And they keep you healthier, too. How does greenery around an office boost mood and productivity? By reducing stress, sickness and absenteeism. Plants increase sleep quality and reduce bacteria and mould by 50 and 60 percent respectively, already narrowing the chances of getting sick at work. In fact, they reduce sickness-related absences by 30 percent.
It also lowers levels of airborne dust, air temperatures and distracting background noise. Research suggests these touches of nature throughout a work environment make employees more creative and more physically, cognitively, and emotionally involved in their work. And to top it off, a gorgeously green workplace also appears more attractive to job applicants, giving you a competitive edge when it comes to winning over the next generation of talent.
“[Our] findings suggest that investing in landscaping an office will pay off through an increase in office workers’ quality of life and productivity,” Haslam concludes. So, if your workplace is stripped of its connection to the natural environment, consider introducing some flora. If nothing else, get some potted plants and transform an empty corner into a welcoming, leafy refuge where employees can enjoy a quiet moment throughout the day. You’ll be sure to see an increase in engagement, concentration and productivity.
Numerous scientific studies have proven the benefits of a greenified WORKSPACE. From a living green wall to a potted plant on your desk—any degree of greenery can make a serious impact. The numbers don’t lie. Greener workplaces make for happier, healthier employees.
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