The Best Reasons to Include Plants in an Office Design
Biophilic design has unquestionably been one of the most significant workplace design trends in recent years. This has led to materials like wood and stone becoming very popular elements of new office designs, as well as plants. From including potted plants around the office to creating full plant walls, plants are in high demand. But is the buzz around plants just a passing fad or do they really have something more to offer? Lots of research has been done to examine the effects plants can have on people and the results have shown that they can have some great benefits.
Stress Reduction
Can’t we all do with a little less stress in the workplace? While having plants around the office won’t be able to do anything like lighten your workload, several studies have found that they can have a calming and refreshing effect on people that helps ease feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Some existing research suggests that simply having a small potted plant on a desk can help bring stress levels down.
Supporting Wellness in the Workplace
Reducing stress is only one way that plants can help make the workplace a healthier place to be. Many studies have found that workplaces with plants tend to have lower rates of absenteeism and higher reported rates of improved wellbeing. According to a 2015 report by Human Spaces, 15% of people who work in environments with natural elements such as plants and natural light reported a higher level of wellbeing.
Improved Creativity & Productivity
When stress levels are down and people are feeling good, it’s easier for people to be more focused on their work and to produce better quality work. In a world where people often feel overwhelmed by things like urgent emails and neverending phone notifications, spending time in spaces that remind them of nature subtly invites them to step back and engage with their environment in a way that refreshes their ability to concentrate, according to one study.
Noise Control
Adding plants to an office can also help address the common problem of high noise levels. Plants can help absorb noise, making them an attractive option to consider in addition to other noise control solutions, like sound masking systems and acoustic panels.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere
When it comes right down to it, people want to work in spaces that feel welcoming. Even when people work in busy urban areas or are putting in long hours, they still want to feel connected to the world around them. The concept of biophilic design is centered around the concept that people have an innate need to feel connected to the natural world and it’s all too common for people to report that their offices lack things like plants and natural light. Whether a person is a long-time employee or a recent applicant considering whether or not they want to work for your company, the presence of plants can help make your workplace seem more attractive to talent.
Is it time to revitalize your workplace? Premier Construction & Design has created spaces for businesses in a wide range of industries in the Metro Detroit area. Check out our portfolio to see examples of just a few projects we’ve worked on. Contact us when you’re ready to get started with your project.
