Traditional office spaces can often be unimaginative and lack room for creativity, however, numerous scientific studies have proven the positives of having more greenery in your workspace.
Humans have an innate desire to be connected with nature, which scientists call ‘biophilia’. Unfortunately, the spaces we tend to spend most of our days tend to be stripped of much of their connection to the natural environment.
Previously the nearest thing to a garden in an office was placing green plants in the corner of every room, however, executives are contemplating extending our natural surroundings to the office with ideas such as rooftop gardens and communal outdoor areas.
Many big companies are looking to plants as a way of improving staff wellbeing and inviting them back to the office after the pandemic. In fact, offices such as Google, Spotify, Nomura and Bloomberg are filled with artistic designs, ranging from living walls to coursing streams.
Studies have found significant reductions in stress among workers when plants were introduced to their workspace. Results included a 37% fall in reported tension and anxiety; a 58% drop in depression or dejection; a 44% decrease in anger and hostility; and a 38% reduction in fatigue.
What’s more, adding just one plant per square metre has been found to improve memory retention and help employees score higher on other basic tests according to scientists.
It’s also said, employees whose offices include natural elements score 15% higher for creativity than those whose offices didn’t include such elements. Looking at nature can shift the brain into a different processing mode, making employees feel more relaxed and better able to concentrate.
In addition, companies wanting to retain the top talent have realised that they need to create these more human-centric spaces if they want to keep staff turnover low. Professionals are willing to spend up to £60,000 on installing green features and are competing with the home environment in a way and the functionality of those spaces needs to be as good or better than anything you get at home.
Whilst the introduction of plants may improve the general mood in the office, employers must continue to offer these recognised services if we are to address the increasing rise in mental health issues in the workplace.
So there is no need to wait any longer. Start planting your own seeds that will reap engagement now.
