Most office planners are, by now, aware of the importance of natural light and providing views for people working in offices, but do they know the importance of an office plant?
A recent study conducted by academics from three universities around the world: the University of Exeter, the University of Groningen in The Netherlands and the University of Queensland, Australia, has found that office greenery and incorporating an office plant into your work area improves staff happiness at work and productivity.
The study was carried out over two subsequent months and monitored the impact greenery, such as plants in offices, had on staff’s perceptions of air quality, concentration and workplace satisfaction. It concluded that the green officers with plants in them made staff happier and more productive compared to the offices without any greenery or plants.
How an office plant can change your workplace
Therefore, this study challenges the popular concept that the minimalist office without any artwork, plants or ‘distractions’ is the most productive type of workplace. From experience, I think we would all agree that a bland office environment is uninspiring and creates a less engaging workplace.
So it is not overly surprising that the study found that office greenery improved workplace satisfaction. However, it is interesting that they found it had beneficial impacts on self-reported levels of concentration and overall productivity in the office.
Why not try adding an office plant or two in your reception areas or meeting rooms. If you don’t have much room in the office for a large office plant then why not try a small potted plant on your desk of any spare cupboard or window ledge.
The only disagreement you may have is deciding who in the office can maintain the greenery and keep those plants looking nice!