The Benefits of Having Plants in the Office

A daytime view across the inside of a modern, open-plan office space with a polished concrete floor, chrome pendant lights hanging from the ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows letting in muted sunlight, probably from an overcast sky. Indoor plants are arranged artfully in round bronze-coloured pots next to the rectangular white columns that rise to the ceiling in the middle of the workspace, and workstations are arranged next to the windows. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards prioritising well-being in the workplace. As time goes by, businesses have a better understanding of how the environment impacts employee health and productivity. In a 2021 survey, nearly 70% of executives rated well-being as a top priority for their organisation.

As a result, many companies are increasingly focusing on their office workers’ quality of life, creating office spaces that support both physical and mental well-being. One of the most popular and effective ways to increase productivity and improve different measures of workplace satisfaction is by incorporating plants in the office, as we will see in this article.

The Physical Benefits of Indoor Office Plants

Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, creating an oxygen-rich environment and improved air quality. Previously conducted laboratory studies by NASA have shown that plants can filter out volatile organic compounds and other harmful toxins present in plastics, inks, cleaning products, and some types of insulation.

Indoor plants can also regulate humidity levels. According to the HSE, low humidity is one of the causes behind sick building syndrome. Offices often suffer from dry air due to temperature control, heating and air conditioning systems and layouts that interfere with airflow. Plants draw water from the roots to their leaves, releasing moisture into the air and helping maintain optimal humidity levels. 

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