Greenery in the office; 15% more productive
Give your workplace a boost with more greenery in the office
A plant or flower adds atmosphere and cosiness. That will come as no surprise to anyone. They are therefore used extensively for this purpose in schools, companies, hotels and at conferences/trade fairs, for example.
What may not be common knowledge is that these mood enhancers also have scientifically proven benefits. Benefits that should convince you to drive straight to the nearest florist.
The green effect
What are the benefits of an extra plant
As mentioned, a number of plants in and around the workplace do more than just transform a cold office into a pleasant environment to work in. The aesthetic benefit is nice, but that spider plant has much more to offer. Before we get to the figures, here are some light-hearted facts.
As mentioned, a number of plants in and around the workplace do more than just transform a cold office into a pleasant environment to work in. The aesthetic benefit is nice, but that spider plant has much more to offer. Before we get to the figures, here are some light-hearted facts.
Productive employees, happy customers
A visually appealing working environment leads to happier and healthier employees. A green workplace improves its perception. This results in less stress, less absenteeism and employees experiencing their workplace in a much more positive light. Customers will also get a much better impression with the addition of plants.
A visually appealing working environment leads to happier and healthier employees. A green workplace improves its perception. This results in less stress, less absenteeism and employees experiencing their workplace in a much more positive light. Customers will also get a much better impression with the addition of plants.
Cleaner air
Modern offices have their own air circulation systems, which can cause up to 10 times more pollutants to linger in the building than in the outside air. These include mould, dust mites, carbon monoxide and chemical cleaning agents. Plants improve air quality and maintain humidity at a comfortable level.
Modern offices have their own air circulation systems, which can cause up to 10 times more pollutants to linger in the building than in the outside air. These include mould, dust mites, carbon monoxide and chemical cleaning agents. Plants improve air quality and maintain humidity at a comfortable level.
Less noisy office
Planting trees along roads has been proven to reduce noise pollution in the surrounding area. This concept can also be applied in the office. With a few plants, you can reduce the noise level by a few decibels. They are most effective on hard surfaces that absorb little sound, such as hard wooden floors, concrete or marble. By placing plants in the right places, you can improve the acoustics of the room.
Planting trees along roads has been proven to reduce noise pollution in the surrounding area. This concept can also be applied in the office. With a few plants, you can reduce the noise level by a few decibels. They are most effective on hard surfaces that absorb little sound, such as hard wooden floors, concrete or marble. By placing plants in the right places, you can improve the acoustics of the room.
Green figures
Research, facts and figures on the effect of greeneryThere are many studies on the effects of plants in and around the workplace. These studies generally come to the same positive conclusions.
Personal experience
The following figures come from an Australian study (2010) that examined the difference between a group without plants and a group with a single plant each.
- Stress and negative feelings reduced by 30 to 60%
- Tension and anxiety reduced by 37%
- Anger and hostility reduced by 44%
- Fatigue decreases by 38%
Interviews and studies show that employee absenteeism also drops dramatically when a greener workplace is introduced. On average, a figure of 14% was achieved. 14% less absenteeism! This was thanks to happier employees.
Productivity
Studies conducted in Texas, Washington and England showed that employees became 12% more productive thanks to a green workplace. What did they find? Blood pressure dropped and stress levels decreased within 5 minutes.
What made the research even more interesting was the difference in impact on men and women. Men were found to come up with 15% more ideas when plants were present. Women did not come up with more ideas, but they did come up with more creative ideas.
Air quality
Humidity is important for us to be able to work comfortably. Plants keep the humidity at a comfortable level, between 30 and 60%. This also has an effect on mould in the office. In fact, 50 to 60% less mould is found in offices where there are plants.
There are many plants that are suitable for keepingin the office. Below, I have listed 3 that are very popular because of their simple care and placement requirements.
Productivity
Studies conducted in Texas, Washington and England showed that employees became 12% more productive thanks to a green workplace. What did they find? Blood pressure dropped and stress levels decreased within 5 minutes.
What made the research even more interesting was the difference in impact on men and women. Men were found to come up with 15% more ideas when plants were present. Women did not come up with more ideas, but they did come up with more creative ideas.
Air quality
Humidity is important for us to be able to work comfortably. Plants keep the humidity at a comfortable level, between 30 and 60%. This also has an effect on mould in the office. In fact, 50 to 60% less mould is found in offices where there are plants.
Greenery in the office
3 simple plants for the officeThere are many plants that are suitable for keepingin the office. Below, I have listed 3 that are very popular because of their simple care and placement requirements.
1. Spider plant
A plant known for improving air quality and reducing stress. In a study by the University of Hawaii, it is even mentioned as one of the top plants for combating volatile organic compounds. It requires little care. Inconsistent watering and little sunlight do not bother it much. It does like to be placed in a nice, spacious pot.
A plant known for improving air quality and reducing stress. In a study by the University of Hawaii, it is even mentioned as one of the top plants for combating volatile organic compounds. It requires little care. Inconsistent watering and little sunlight do not bother it much. It does like to be placed in a nice, spacious pot.
2. Lemon balm
According to Ohio State University, the sweet scent of lemon balm has a mood-enhancing effect. Great, because this plant doesn't need a gentle touch either. Sun or shade, lemon balm is easily pleased. It is most comfortable in a humid environment, so give it a good watering every now and then.
According to Ohio State University, the sweet scent of lemon balm has a mood-enhancing effect. Great, because this plant doesn't need a gentle touch either. Sun or shade, lemon balm is easily pleased. It is most comfortable in a humid environment, so give it a good watering every now and then.
3. Spider plant
Spider plants have even prompted NASA to conduct research into them. Between Mars landings, they discovered that this plant is the perfect air purifier. It removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It also requires very little care. It can go weeks without water and with little light. It can even withstand the occasional insect infestation without any problems.
Spider plants have even prompted NASA to conduct research into them. Between Mars landings, they discovered that this plant is the perfect air purifier. It removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It also requires very little care. It can go weeks without water and with little light. It can even withstand the occasional insect infestation without any problems.
Sources:
earth911.com
ambius.com
ngia.com.au
uvm.edu
greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org
tuinieren.nl
