Thursday, July 27, 2023

The Case for Indoor Plants in the Workplace by Jen H.

Pexels - George Milton

The appreciation for the passive value of people and plants has been lauded for years. By its very definition, biophilia highlights the innate tendency of humans to associate with other living things. Humans are intrinsically wired to find connection with plants...

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Over the last several decades the relationship between humans and plants has spurred interest among many researchers, specifically around the effects of having indoor plants visible from individual workspace. Dozens of studies have been conducted around the world with almost unanimous conclusion that having plants in the workplace is a statistically relevant way to reduce stress (measured through decreased pulse/blood pressure and self-reported pre & post anxiety levels), increase concentration, creativity, and productivity, and also reduce reported sick leave. As it relates to measured stress, having indoor plants in the workplace appears to have a more global impact on reducing perceived stress, going beyond just workplace triggers! Some of the research suggests simply having plants nearby will have a passively positive influence in the workplace, while other research takes it a step further in highlighting the active discipline of taking a few moments away from a computer screen to visually focus on living plant material will foster benefit. 

The great news is either way…passively or actively…plants have the power to help reduce workplace burnout and increase employee satisfaction. As an added bonus, plants also help to clean the air in the office as well!

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Research has also proven having plants in places of “restoration” (break-rooms, waiting areas, etc.) can have equally impactful benefit. Interestingly, these benefits appear to be largely universal across all demographic factors.

Given the variety of work environments with potentially limiting environmental conditions (light exposure, watering frequency, etc.), low-maintenance plants are recommended. Some great options include:

·        Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)
·        Pothos (Epipremmum aureum)
·        Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata)
·        Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
·        Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
·        ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
·        Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
·        Philodendron (Epipremnum aureum)

If you needed a justifiable reason to buy more plants….here’s the research to prove it!! (Links below)

Posted by Vicky Spelman at 1:00 AM
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