Plants in the office provide numerous benefits such as reduced stress, increased productivity, and improved air quality. Studies have shown reductions in stress levels of 37-58% as well as increased productivity of 10-15% when plants are introduced. Absenteeism can also decrease by up to 50% and sickness by 30% due to cleaner air and reduced stress. Other advantages include a more pleasant work environment, decreased noise levels, and increased creativity. Common plants that thrive in an office setting are aloe, spider plants, cacti, succulents, ivy, rubber plants and peace lilies.

1. 8 Benefits Of Plants In The Office

2. Reduced stress
Introducing plants to your working environment reduces stress.
In a study conducted in 2010, significant reductions were recorded
where plants were located in the office. Including;
Tension/Anxiety – 37% reduction
Depression/Dejection – 58% reduction
Anger/Hostility – 44% reduction
Fatigue – 38% reduction
Buildings and office environments appear more calming and simply
a nicer place to be when plants are present. They are more interesting,
colourful and relaxing. The effects aren’t just psychological either,
physiological effects such as lowered blood pressure are also proven
benefits of a greener office. Plants also enable us to perceive our surroundings
better, we feel more comfortable and this, in turn, reduces stress.

3. Increased Productivity
Productivity is known to be improved in an environment were
plants are present. Cognitive tasks, concentration and focus are
all improved, therefore increasing productivity within the workforce.
In numerous studies conducted it has
been found that fewer mistakes are made,
tasks are completed faster and, in the case of
computer workers, productivity increased by
between 10%-15%.
The higher level of concentration can be attributed to the plants
ability to reduce excess carbon dioxide in the air.

4. Reduce Sickness And Absence
Introducing plants to an office
environment has been reported to
reduce absenteeism by up to 50%,
and reduce minor illness by 30%.
Reducing absence within the business
not only maintains productivity,
but will reduce the cost of absence
year on year.

5. A Better Environment To Work In
Most will agree that an office with plants present is a
nicer place to be. As we’re within this environment for
a considerable time most days, it’s important that we
should be comfortable.
Office plants not only improve office surroundings
for employees, they also provide a more welcoming
place for clients.

6. Cleaner Air To Breathe
1 plant per 3 employees improves air quality
CO2 can be reduced by 50%
By reducing the dry air caused by air conditioning and increasing humidity,
illnesses such as tickly coughs are much less common
With correct placement of plants, the need for air con can also be
reduced and the air kept at a higher humidity (up to 20%)
Dust, bacteria and mould are reduced
Man made toxins within an office created by plastics, paint, furniture,
carpets, and certain cleaning products that will be reduced significantly

7. Reduce Noise
One lesser known advantage of plants is their ability to reduce
ambient noise within an office, as much as 5 decibels. Background
noise, which could otherwise be distracting, is reduced allowing
employees to concentrate on their work.

8. Increase Creativity
In one study, plants were seen to increase
creativity by 15%. One theory suggests that
plants being present invoke our ancient
instincts that there’s food nearby
(berries, fruit etc) and so we
relax, become calmer, are happier and
more creative.

9. You’ll Look Healthier!
It has been found that plants can
reduce dry skin by 20%. This means
we look healthier as well as
feeling better!

10. Which Plants Do Best In An Office Environment?
Keeping plants in an office environment requires some forethought
due to certain environmental conditions such as air conditioning,
periods where the office is empty etc.
Some plants which will thrive include:
Aloe
Spider plants
Cactus
Succulents
Ivy
Rubber plants
Peace lilies