As an office worker, how do you feel when you are surrounded by concrete walls, artificial lights and sterile environments? Chances are, you would feel anxious, stressed, and demotivated. If you are looking for an easy and effective way to transform your office environment and promote employee wellbeing, you might want to consider office plant decor. Believe it or not, including plants in your office space is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also has numerous benefits for your health, mood, and productivity. Here’s why you should bring some greenery to your office and how to do it right.
The Benefits of Office Plant Decor for a Green Working Environment
Adding natural elements to your office environment is much more than just a decoration. Every plant has its unique qualities to improve your working environment, such as:
Improved Air Quality
It is a known fact that plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, making the air fresher, purer, and easier to breathe. They can also absorb toxins and pollutants found in the indoor environment, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which may cause headaches, fatigue, and other health problems.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Plants are natural stress-relievers that can improve your mood and wellbeing. Studies show that simply looking at green plants can lower your stress levels, while interacting with them can boost your creativity, concentration, and cognitive function. They can also reduce noise levels and create a peaceful and relaxing environment that fosters a sense of tranquility and harmony.
Boosted Productivity and Creativity
Plants can also enhance your work performance and output. According to a study conducted by the University of Exeter, when workers were surrounded by plants, their productivity increased by 15%, their creativity by 15%, and their wellbeing by 47%. Plants can also serve as natural reminders, help to reduce absenteeism, and encourage collaboration and communication.
Better Physical Health
Lastly, plants can provide numerous physical health benefits that can lead to fewer sick days and a healthier work environment overall. For example, they can increase humidity levels, which can prevent dry skin, sore throats, and respiratory issues, and reduce fatigue and eye strain.
How to Implement Office Plant Decor for a Green Working Environment
Now that you know why office plant decor is beneficial, it is crucial to know how to incorporate it in a way that makes sense for your office space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Assess Your Space
Before you bring any plants into your office, it is essential to assess the space and the lighting conditions. Different plants have different requirements, so you need to choose ones that will thrive in your office. For instance, some plants need exposure to full sunlight, while others thrive in lower light conditions. You may also want to consider using plant stands or shelves to make the best use of space.
Choose the Right Plants
The type of plants you use in your office space will have a significant impact on their effectiveness. Some popular office plants include peace lilies, spider plants, English Ivy, snake plants, and rubber plants. Choose plants that provide the right level of benefits based on your needs. Consider things like how much natural light your space receives, how much space you have available, and how to control the humidity levels.
Plan Your Budget and Maintenance
Adding plants to your office does come with some costs, such as purchasing plants, flowers, and pots. Additionally, you should plan for their ongoing maintenance, which includes watering, fertilizing, pest control, and pruning. Make sure to set aside a budget and dedicate resources for ongoing plant maintenance, regular watering, and cleaning.
Concluding Thoughts on Office Plant Decor for a Green Working Environment
Office plant decor and green working environment initiatives go a long way in enhancing your office environment. Simply including plants in your office space can have a profound impact on your well-being and the success of your business. As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that office plant decor requires attention and care, so you can provide the right conditions for the plants to thrive. More so, have fun with your greenery by incorporating plant colors into your artwork and furniture, or organizing team activities around plant care. Just sit back and breathe in the clean air, witness increased productivity, and bask in the scenic beauty of your workplace.
FAQs About Office Plant Decor for a Green Working Environment
What are the best plants for a green office environment?
The best plants for a green office environment include English Ivy, snake plants, rubber plants, peace lilies, aloe vera, spider plants, and bamboo palm. These plants have qualities for improving air quality, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting productivity and creativity, and providing numerous physical health benefits.
What are the tips for taking care of office plants?
Some tips for taking care of office plants include choosing plants that are suitable for your office environment, creating an effective maintenance plan, watering your plants regularly, controlling the humidity level, choosing the right pots and soil, and trimming the excess foliage.
How do plants reduce stress and increase productivity at work?
Plants reduce stress and increase productivity at work by purifying the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere, improving aesthetic appeal, and reducing noise levels. These benefits, especially air purification, can help improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels in the workplace, leading to higher productivity and a healthier work environment.
