According to a new study conducted at Washington State University and featured in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, not only do office plants improve our productivity in the workplace, but they also uplift our emotional state and encourage employees to work faster and more effectively.  

Have you ever asked yourself why indoor plants induce such a pleasant feeling within us? 

While there is probably no right answer for this question, experts have stated that the presence of indoor plants serves a distinctive purpose: keeping humans connected with nature, which is what an essential component of human being. 

This is true in the case of biophilic design for offices, a strategy which seeks to improve the well-being of employees by introducing natural components into their working spaces.  

The fact that plants in an office space can contribute to a more pleasant aesthetic is common knowledge, but did you know that they also have measurable positive effects on employees’ health and well-being? Research in the field of environmental psychology suggests that plants reduce stress levels, improve mood, enhance focus and foster job satisfaction and overall well-being. 

Moreover, studies about air quality reveal that some varieties of plants can purify pollutants and amplify the oxygen levels, boosting concentration as well as cognitive functioning. Therefore, the introduction of vegetation in the office space not only contributes to its beautification but also brings optimization from a physiological and psychological point of view of the work environment.

A Study That Challenges How We See Office Greenery

If you’re still skeptical about whether having office plants in your workspace makes a difference, here are some undeniable facts.

Whether you’re the type of person who loves research or someone who still resists the idea, you can put these findings to the test yourself. And at the end, let us know what you think!

One of the most compelling studies on this topic was conducted in 2010 by the University of Technology Sydney. The research, which remains highly relevant today, examined the impact of plantscape design in office environments over a 15-year period.

The study was designed with two identical office environments.

The first had no plants and maintained a standard work schedule with the same number of employees. The second had the exact same conditions—same number of people, same working hours—but included indoor plants. The results were astonishing.

The most striking finding was a 58% decrease in symptoms of depression or low mood among employees in the plant-filled office.

This is especially significant in today’s world, reinforcing the idea that biophilic design can have a profound impact on mental well-being.

The second major result, which even surprised researchers, was a 44% reduction in anger and hostility. This is crucial in a workplace setting—after all, whether we like it or not, we spend almost as much time with our coworkers as we do with our families.

The final two findings, though slightly less dramatic in percentage, are equally worth considering.

• 38% reduction in fatigue: A key component of workplace wellness, reducing fatigue leads to greater productivity, better moods, and a more engaged workforce. A well-designed plantscape design creates a workspace that fosters focus and creativity.
• 37% decrease in stress and anxiety: With anxiety being one of the most prevalent issues in modern workplaces, the fact that office greenery can help alleviate it is truly remarkable.

More facts to think about it

Greater Evidence from Science That Endorses the Use of Plants in an Office Setting 
Have you changed your mind? NASA uncovered in the late 1980s that indoor plants are capable of cleaning the air of dangerous pollutants such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (which people don’t require) and change it into oxygen and energy.

Incorporating this into the current workplace paradigm, Dr. Fraser Torpy, who heads the Plants and Indoor Environmental Quality Research Group at the University of Technology Sydney, has shown that plants in offices reduce carbon dioxide concentration by approximately 10% in air-conditioned offices, and by 25% in non-air-conditioned offices. These numbers are stunning.

The contemporary workspace continues to change, and it is now evident that biophilic design for office spaces is among the primary approaches for constructing healthier work environments. Plantscape design is adopted not only to beautify the office but also to increase air quality, minimize stress levels, improve concentration, and bring other benefits associated with office plants.

Research indicates that workplace wellness is enhanced with the presence of office greenery, as employees feel more engaged and energetic. Whether it is a tiny green on your desk or a sophisticated biophilic design, adding plants to the work environment increases creativity and productivity.

A Small Change, A Big Impact

Incorporating biophilic design for offices isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about well-being, productivity, and creating a healthier work environment. The benefits of office plants range from improving air quality to enhancing mood and reducing stress. A simple addition of indoor plants or incorporating natural elements can transform a dull workspace into a vibrant, more inspiring place.

So, why not give it a try? Choose an indoor plant, incorporate plantscape design into your office; bring a little nature in and experience the change for yourself. Your mind, mood, and workspace will thank you!

At Village Green TI, we specialize in designing office greenery that enhances employee wellness and creates a balanced, thriving environment. With our expertise, we ensure that your workspace is not only visually appealing but also promotes well-being and environmental stability. Let us transform your office into a greener, healthier place—because our expertise and dedication make us the leading choice for providing the best solutions for your office..

Let us know in the comments which plant you would choose.