The Benefits Of Office Plants For Stress Reduction

June 02, 2024
The Benefits Of Office Plants For Stress Reduction
Published on  Updated on  

Benefits of Office Plants

Introducing office plants into the workspace can bring about numerous benefits that contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment. Two notable advantages are the improvement of indoor air quality and the reduction of stress levels.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Office plants they have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and increase humidity through transpiration and evapotranspiration. Additionally, plants can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air. These pollutants can be emitted from various sources within enclosed spaces, such as mechanical equipment, building materials, and everyday objects.

The NASA Clean Air Study demonstrated that houseplants, along with their associated microorganisms, have the capacity to eliminate volatile organic compounds from indoor air. This contributes to a healthier indoor environment by reducing the presence of harmful pollutants. While research on the air-purifying capabilities of indoor plants is somewhat dated and inconclusive, studies have shown that plants can absorb pollutants through their leaves, convert them into stored energy, and release cleaner air as a result.

By having office plants that naturally filter the air, the workspace can benefit from improved air quality, leading to a healthier and more comfortable environment for employees.

Reducing Stress Levels

Introducing office plants into the workplace can significantly contribute to stress reduction among employees. A study conducted in 2010 found that offices adorned with plants experienced notable stress reduction benefits. Engaging with surroundings, including office plants, can help employees feel more at ease and relaxed, leading to improved overall well-being.

Research conducted by Dr. Chris Knight and psychologists at Exeter University revealed that employees in workspaces with houseplants and decor were 15% more productive. The presence of office plants can help create a more pleasant and calming atmosphere, which in turn can enhance focus and productivity.

Certain office plants, with their vibrant colors and pleasant aromas, can also stimulate the senses and boost creativity. Plants like Hens and Chicks, Chamaedorea Elegans, or Cypress Vine can inspire fresh ideas and combat creative blocks, ultimately fostering a more imaginative work environment [2].

Incorporating office plants such as lavender and rosemary can further aid in stress reduction. Lavender, known for its anxiety-reducing properties, can improve short-term memory, provide stress relief, and create a calm atmosphere when inhaled. Similarly, the scent of rosemary essential oil has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood, promoting relaxation and tranquility [3].

By harnessing the benefits of office plants, companies can create a more harmonious and stress-free work environment, ultimately benefiting both the well-being and productivity of their employees.

Impact on Employee Well-Being

Incorporating office plants into the workspace not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also has a positive impact on employee well-being. Two key aspects of employee well-being that are influenced by office plants are productivity and creativity.

Enhancing Productivity

Research conducted by Dr. Chris Knight and psychologists at Exeter University found that employees working in spaces with houseplants and decor were 15% more productive compared to those in spaces without plants [2]. Engaging with their surroundings, including office plants, allows employees to feel more connected to their environment, leading to a greater output and improved focus.

The presence of greenery in the office has been shown to reduce stress levels and create a more calming atmosphere, which can contribute to increased productivity. By creating a visually pleasing and soothing environment, office plants can help employees concentrate better on their tasks and avoid distractions.

Boosting Creativity

Office plants can also play a role in boosting creativity among employees. According to the Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace study, employees working in spaces with natural elements reported 15% higher levels of overall well-being and 15% more creativity at work [4]. The presence of plants in the office can provide inspiration through their vibrant colors and pleasant smells.

Certain plant varieties, such as Hens and Chicks, Chamaedorea Elegans, or Cypress Vine, stimulate the senses and can help open up the flow of ideas, combating creative blocks. By creating a visually stimulating and refreshing environment, office plants contribute to a conducive atmosphere for brainstorming and innovative thinking.

Incorporating office plants into the workspace not only adds visual appeal but also positively impacts employee well-being. By enhancing productivity and boosting creativity, office plants create a more pleasant and conducive work environment for employees, ultimately leading to a more satisfied and engaged workforce.

Creating a Green Workspace

Incorporating plants into the office environment not only adds a touch of nature but also brings a range of benefits to the workspace. Creating a green workspace can have a positive impact on both employees and the overall office environment. Two key advantages of having office plants are noise reduction and energy efficiency.

Noise Reduction

Office spaces can be prone to noise pollution, which can negatively impact productivity and concentration. However, including plants and green walls in the office layout can help reduce indoor noise pollution by absorbing and deflecting sound. Plants act as effective noise dampeners in large, open office spaces, reducing ambient noise and echoes. This reduction in noise promotes collaboration, teamwork, and creates a more approachable and communicative workspace.

To maximize the noise reduction benefits of office plants, consider placing larger plant pots, such as the 'Anita' Dragon Tree, Snake Plant, and Weeping Fig, around the edges and corners of the room. These plants are effective in absorbing background noise in open-concept offices, reducing distractions for employees [2].

Energy Efficiency

In addition to noise reduction, office plants can contribute to energy efficiency within the workspace. Plants help raise humidity levels and lower temperatures inside buildings, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning usage. In fact, a single healthy tree has the potential to cool a building by the same amount as 20 air conditioning units working for 20 hours a day.

While the research on the air-purifying capabilities of indoor plants is somewhat inconclusive, studies like NASA's 1989 study have shown that plants can play a role in improving indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants through their leaves and releasing cleaner air as a result. By enhancing the air quality, plants can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable workspace, reducing the reliance on energy-consuming air purification systems.

By incorporating office plants, not only can the workspace become more aesthetically pleasing, but it can also benefit from reduced noise levels and improved energy efficiency. Creating a green workspace is a simple yet effective way to enhance the office environment, promote employee well-being, and cultivate a more productive and eco-friendly workplace.

Plant Selection for Stress Reduction

When it comes to selecting plants for stress reduction in the office, certain varieties have been found to be particularly effective. Two plants that stand out in this regard are basil and jasmine.

Basil and Its Properties

Basil is not only a popular herb in the culinary world but also possesses properties that help relieve stress and anxiety. This aromatic plant acts as an adaptogen, which means it can improve mental clarity and promote a sense of calm in the house or office environment.

Apart from its pleasant fragrance, basil also releases compounds that have a positive impact on stress levels. The aroma can help soothe the mind and create a peaceful atmosphere, contributing to stress reduction in the office. Additionally, the presence of basil plants can improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier workspace.

Jasmine for Lowering Anxiety

Jasmine is another plant known for its stress-reducing properties. It has been found to lower anxiety levels and promote a sense of calmness in individuals. The fragrance of jasmine is not only pleasing to the senses but also has a positive impact on overall well-being.

Having jasmine plants in the office can contribute to a fresh environment with a good odor, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The fragrance of jasmine has been linked to increased productivity and can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making it an excellent choice for stress reduction in the workplace.

When selecting plants for stress reduction, it's important to consider the specific needs and conditions of the office environment. Basil and jasmine are just a few examples of plants that can have a positive impact on reducing stress levels. By incorporating these plants into the office space, employees can benefit from their calming properties and create a more pleasant and stress-free work environment.

Plants for Office Wellness Programs

When it comes to creating a welcoming and stress-free office environment, incorporating plants can have a significant impact on employee well-being. Certain plants, such as lavender and rosemary, are particularly beneficial for stress relief and anxiety reduction.

Lavender for Stress Relief

Lavender is well-known for its calming and anxiety-reducing properties. Inhaling the fragrance of lavender can help improve short-term memory, provide stress relief, and create a calm atmosphere in the office. This aromatic plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and aromatherapy due to its soothing effects.

Having lavender plants in the office can create a serene and relaxing environment, helping employees to unwind and alleviate stress. The gentle aroma of lavender can promote a sense of tranquility, making it an excellent choice for workplaces where stress levels may be high. Consider placing lavender plants in common areas or near workstations where employees can enjoy the natural benefits of this plant.

Rosemary for Anxiety Reduction

Another plant that can contribute to stress reduction in the office is rosemary. This herb not only adds a pleasant fragrance but also has properties that can calm the body, energize the mind, and relieve anxiety. In fact, smelling rosemary essential oil has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood.

Introducing rosemary plants to the office can provide a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. The scent of rosemary can help improve focus and concentration, making it beneficial for tasks that require mental clarity. Additionally, the presence of rosemary plants can create a more soothing environment, helping employees feel more at ease and reducing anxiety levels.

By incorporating lavender and rosemary plants into office wellness programs, employers can promote a more relaxed and stress-free work environment. These plants not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the office space but also provide natural benefits for employee well-being. Consider adding these plants to your office setting to create a more soothing and enjoyable atmosphere for your workforce.

Incorporating Green Spaces

In today's fast-paced and often stressful work environments, incorporating green spaces into the office can have significant benefits for employee well-being. These green spaces, filled with office plants and natural elements, can provide mental health benefits and foster a connection to nature.

Mental Health Benefits

Spending time in nature and feeling connected to nature are important for mental health, according to the Mental Health Foundation. The presence of green spaces in the workplace can have a positive impact on employee well-being, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calm.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter found that individuals who moved to greener areas, such as parks and gardens, experienced improved mental health that lasted for at least three years after the move [3]. This highlights the long-lasting benefits of being surrounded by nature.

Connection to Nature

The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life, which is deeply rooted in our biology. As urban environments expand and technology interactions increase, maintaining a connection to nature becomes crucial for living happier and healthier lives.

Incorporating green spaces in the workplace provides employees with the opportunity to connect with nature, even in a bustling office setting. The presence of office plants, natural light, and elements like water features or green walls can help employees feel more grounded and connected to the natural world.

By integrating green spaces into the office environment, employers can create a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere, promoting employee well-being and satisfaction. These green spaces act as stress buffers, offering employees a space to unwind, recharge, and maintain a healthy work-life balance [8].

In conclusion, incorporating green spaces in the office can have significant mental health benefits for employees. These spaces provide a connection to nature, reduce stress levels, and create a tranquil atmosphere. By embracing office plants and natural elements, employers can promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

References

Published on  Updated on