Nature in design: influencing and enhancing office life
Should I use plants in my office?
Introducing plants into your office design is a fantastic way to enhance the space. Not only do they offer a range of benefits, but they also bring a natural beauty that can elevate even the dullest work environment. We utilise plants in our communal spaces to offer additional energy and colour to the space. Here are just a few proven advantages that plants can offer:
Certain plants can improve the air quality within the space –
Plants, like trees, have the capability of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Certain plants are known to be great at stripping the air of toxins; these include:
- Peace Lily’s
- Aloe Vera plants
- Spider plants
- Rubber plants
Plants can elevate the appearance of a space –
Life and vibrancy can be brought into otherwise sterile office spaces through the use of plants. Their rich greens and occasional floral bursts add a pop of colour, making them excellent decorative elements for grey or white work environments. As an added bonus, some plants can introduce fresh, natural scents—just be mindful of any allergy sensitivities among your team.
Improving staff mental health with green hues –
Improving mental health via plants has been a topic of contention for a while, with many studies being conducted around the concept. It has since been proven that exposure to green environments can help reduce stress and improve the mood of individuals.
Plants help us feel connected to nature and can, therefore, transport us mentally outside of the office environment into a space that is beneficial to our mental health. Taking care of live plants allows us to offload some of the stressors whilst boosting our physical
Increasing productivity and creativity that is felt within the space –
The mental health benefits of plants extend naturally into enhanced productivity and creativity. When we feel better, we think better. A well-placed plant can help create a more inspiring and motivating workspace that encourages fresh thinking and higher engagement.
The best placements for your office plants
This is a given, but make sure your live plants have access to plenty of sunlight; positioning them by a window will ensure they’re able to grow and that they thrive. Consider placing plants on desks that have plenty of light reaching them, this ensures they won’t die and counteract all the benefits provided.
Faux plants offer a slight bit more flexibility, with the ability to be placed in the darkest corner of the room without dying. Just remember, these false plants will need to be dusted and will not need to be watered.
Greenery – whether it’s real or artificial – can be simple yet effective at introducing warmth and life into your workspace. For those who’d like to include living plants but worry about upkeep, we also offer a maintenance option to keep them and your space thriving.