Do you ever find yourself going for a walk or sitting in a park when you need to clear your head or decompress?

If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone. In fact, research suggests that humans have an innate need to be connected with nature. This is referred to as biophilia.

An immense amount of research over the past few decades has proven that being exposed to nature reduces our feelings of anger, fear, and stress. In fact, exposure to nature not only makes us feel better emotionally, it contributes to our physical wellbeing. When we spend time in nature, or looking at nature scenery, we experience reduced blood pressure, muscle tension, production of stress hormones and lower heart rates.

Research conducted in numerous hospitals, offices, and schools has found that simply placing plants in a room can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety. Amazingly enough, just one plant in a room is enough to make all the difference.

According to a study by New University of Technology Sydney, having plants in an office environment specifically can have significant impacts on the following mental and physical states:

• 37% reduction in tension/anxiety
• 58% reduction in depression
• 44% reductions in anger/hostility
• 38% reduction in fatigue

Now that we know the numbers, let’s explore how office plants can impact your business.

When employees are happy, organizations thrive.

Here are five reasons why you should invest in some plants for your office space:

Increased Productivity

Productivity has been shown to increase in environments where plants are present. Cognitive tasks, concentration and focus are all improved, therefore increasing productivity among employees. A 2014 study by the University of Exeter found that employee productivity increased by 15% when their previously minimalist work environments were filled with just a few plants.

Cleaner Air

By introducing a ratio of 1 plant per 3 employees, air quality can be significantly improved within the office. These green additions can reduce carbon dioxide by 50%! But it doesn’t end there. Adding plants to the office can also reduce dust, bacteria and mold, which would otherwise be inhaled by employees.

Less carbon dioxide in the air increases concentration and focus – making your employees more productive!

Reduced Illness & Absence

Introducing greenery into an office environment has been reported to reduce absenteeism by up to 50%. According to the 2015 Human Spaces report, environments that incorporated greenery resulted in a 15% increase in well-being. Cleaner air and decreased stress levels results in healthier and happier employees.

Increased Creativity

The Human Spaces report found that office plants led to a 15% increase in creativity. Looking at nature – and even just images of nature – can shift the brain into a different mode of processing, making us feel more relaxed and better able to concentrate.

Attract New Employees

One third of office workers say that the design and feel of an office space will affect their decision to work at the company. The top 2 elements office workers desire in their work spaces are natural light and indoor plants. Being able to enhance your office’s design can lead to an increased likelihood of recruiting top talent and retaining your current employees.

Top 3 Elements Desired in the Office