Introduction

Office design has an effect on how employees feel and how they work. Office furniture, office lighting, and office space arrangement are all significant factors, but plants also represent another factor in improving an office space.

Today, it is common to find office plants in almost any workspace. They are present in reception areas, meeting rooms, work stations and break rooms, helping to make office environments more comfortable and aesthetic. The presence of plants in a workplace may have more advantages than just appearance.

Business owners, office managers and Human Resources professionals all have the responsibility to maintain a comfortable and inviting office space for their employees. An office plant is an easy and effective addition to help reach that goal without the need for drastic office space remodeling.

In this article, we will examine 5 ways in which office plants benefit both employees and business culture.

Benefit 1: Improves Air Quality

One of the most common benefits people refer to when discussing the use of indoor plants in the workplace is their ability to improve the air quality within the building.

Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a part of their photosynthetic cycle. Though it's true that plants cannot take over the job of ventilation systems, they do play a supplemental role in creating a healthy indoor environment.

Many modern office environments are highly air-conditioned and have a limited supply of fresh outdoor air. Over time, this creates an enclosed, stale feeling that is not optimal for employee comfort. Plants do assist in freshening up an environment.

Practical Workplace Example

In an office space that's a large open-plan area where all of the employees spend their day at a desk, several indoor plants placed strategically near workstation, windows, or within common areas can create a better balance in an indoor setting.

Employees may well respond positively to the presence of plants especially when natural outdoor scenes are not visible from the workplace. With the proper care, ventilation, and maintenance, plants do seem to create a more comfortable workplace environment.

Supporting a Healthy Work Environment

Office managers are concerned with cleanliness, temperature, lighting, and air. Plants can be introduced into the workspace under these conditions. Even small potted plants, appropriately placed, will create a connection between the indoor and the natural environment.

Benefit 2: Reduces Stress

Working life brings about work-related stress in most industries. Demanding workloads, tight deadlines, meetings, and constant communication can bring about stressful environments for staff all day long.

Working environments that are serene and tranquil, help staff to control stress throughout their working day. In terms of contributing to the creation of these work environments plants are quite effective in bringing nature into the workspace.

Nature has been seen by many to be extremely calming. An arrangement of plants indoors can make for an environment which is far less sterile and harsh.

Practical Workplace Example

Consider the meeting room where employees meet often to discuss projects, goals and company problems. Well looked after plants placed in the meeting room can warm the atmosphere up and make the room feel more friendly.

It's also advisable to add plants to employees' breaks rooms/lounges. The rooms are used to rest while working and plants may assist with this atmosphere.

Creating a More Comfortable Workplace

There's a lot HR practitioners look for to enhance the employees' experience without radically changing the workflow. One option is adding plants which can be an easy solution that influences employees' views of the workspace.

However, plants are not the answer to workplace stress but can add to the feeling of being in a more tranquil and balanced environment.

Benefit 3: Increases Productivity

A good workspace promotes concentration and attention. Workers in general will be better when working in a space that appears orderly, and which is comfortable and agreeable.

Plants can help provide such space.

Greenery is also a good way to break up the areas dominated by desks, walls, and office furniture. This will result in a space that seems less drab and more visually comfortable. Workers like having some nature near them during the work day.

Practical Workplace Example

With many departments working close together in an open office environment, plants can be incorporated to define distinct spaces visually without physical dividers.

Office workers who conduct detailed work, such as data analysis, accounting, customer service, or content writing, might find comfort in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing workspace.

 Plants could also be positioned by workstations, collaborative areas and quiet spaces.

Supporting Workplace Focus

As business owners know, the productivity of a workplace is comprised of a whole variety of different things; leadership, communication, technology, training, the environment at the workplace, etc.

Having a plant is not a magical answer to the problem of productivity. But what it will do is create a place where your workers will be happy to spend the day, and therefore able to focus a little more.

When workers are happy in the workplace environment they have the tendency to be more productive.

Benefit 4: Enhances Office Appearance

What impression do customers, guests, candidates and employees take away the first time they walk into your office? It matters in business.

There are few less expensive or easier ways to make the workplace look more inviting and visually interesting without having to do major redecoration or expensive design overhauls, as with plants.

They can bring color, texture, and nature inside.

Practical Workplace Example

Reception area The reception is the first place of contact for visitors and has plants that can make the office look welcoming and professional near the entrance to the office.

Plants could also be used to compliment design in other rooms such as conference rooms, waiting areas, executive offices. They are ideal for filling awkward empty corners or empty spaces that make the office appear dull.

Reflecting Company Culture

The design of office space tells a message about an organization. A clean, neat, and well-designed space can speak volumes about an organization's professionalism and dedication to perfection.

This strategy is also effective for organizations focusing on worker comfort and employee welfare as the use of plants reinforces these values openly.

Such a feature can greatly benefit recruitment, client meetings and office events where an image of professionalism should be maintained.

Flexible Design Options

The flexibility that office plants offers is a key benefit. Organisations can select from a multitude of sizes and designs dependent on the size of the area in which the plants will be positioned. Large plants can be effective within an open plan area while smaller plants can be placed on desks, shelves or within a meeting room. Organizations can also use plants to add aesthetic value to an office without the need for significant adjustments to office structure.

Benefit 5: Supports Employee Well-Being

Employee well-being is a popular topic with many organizations. The recognition that work environments affect the satisfaction and experience of employees has led many to believe plants have a role to play. They can contribute to employee well-being by developing the office into more enjoyable, comfortable and naturalistic surroundings. A substantial part of the employees' days are spent inside and adding natural elements to the workspace may result in a more natural environment.

Practical Workplace Example

Plants can be added to an organisation's social areas, work areas and employee break rooms. This can make different areas of the office feel more pleasant and relaxed. Many employees may find that greenery in a work area is preferable to sitting indoors all day amongst computers, office furniture and equipment.

Supporting Employee Experience

In terms of programs HR teams invest money into programs focused around employees engagement, company culture and wellness. Whilst the addition of plants is a small change they will complement a wider attempt to increase the overall employee experience.

An environment that feels inviting will in turn effect how an employee feels about going to work. Tiny changes to our surroundings can amount to a big impact over time.

Encouraging a Positive Workplace Atmosphere

It is also possible for plants to be incorporated into the positive workplace environment culture. Some workplaces include their staff in the choice or care for office plants and thus promote employee participation and a sense of teamwork. Employees feel more at ease in their environment and are therefore able to create a more positive and shared workplace atmosphere.

Suggested Indoor Plants for Offices

Selection of suitable plants is crucial for success. Indoor office plants need to be low-maintenance and thrive in indoor conditions, as well as fit the space.

Snake Plant

The snake plant is one of the best office plants. They need little attention. Snake plants can survive with differing amounts of light and don't need to be watered too often.

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plants are known for being indestructible and having gorgeous glossy leaves. Office environments that have low natural light will love the ZZ Plant because it needs minimal care.

Pothos

This indoor plant will add color to any desk, shelf, or hanging planter and grows in nearly any indoor environment.

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies: they are elegant and lovely white flowers, which could work nicely in the reception and meeting rooms.

Areca Palm

The Areca Palm is perfect to give a touch of exotic in an office space. It can be placed in spaces as vast as a lobby or an open space.

Spider Plant

It's a very easy plant to care for. Spreading and arching leaves makes it an interesting addition on your desk or shelves.

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants are an excellent choice for contemporary office interiors. Large and attractive glossy foliage which offers impact with minimum care.

Tips for Office Plant Maintenance

• ·       Choose plants that match the available light conditions.
• ·       Avoid overwatering.
• ·       Remove dry or damaged leaves regularly.
• ·       Place plants where they do not obstruct walkways.
• ·       Assign responsibility for basic plant care.
• ·       Consider professional plant maintenance services for larger offices.
  
  

By using proper care and maintenance, the plants will retain their positive attributes.

Conclusion

It is amazing that a simple, low-cost solution like plants can contribute to many areas of an office environment. These benefits can include; improving air quality; helping to create a more peaceful environment; establishing a comfortable environment for employees; improving the look and feel of the office and aiding employees in being well and healthy.

For an office manager, business owner or HR professional, it is possible to achieve many of these benefits without major expenditure or having to do an office refit, by simply adding a few indoor plants, to an office to give a more relaxing and balanced feel. It all depends on choosing the right indoor plants and care. When thought is applied it can provide a positive environment for employees and clients to enjoy. With ongoing development and an increasing emphasis being placed on providing a positive work environment, indoor plants are clearly going to continue to provide a simple and achievable solution for office managers, business owners and HR professionals.