In recent years, the trend of having plants in the workplace has grown tremendously. This is because having office plants not only adds to the aesthetics of the office but also provides a range of benefits for employees. In this article, we will explore the benefits of having office plants and the best plants to have in an office.
Benefits of having office plants
- Improve air quality
Plants are known to purify the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. This is particularly important in an office setting where there may be a higher concentration of pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from furniture, carpets, and office equipment. By having plants in the office, the air quality can be improved, leading to a healthier working environment.
- Increase productivity
Studies have shown that having plants in the workplace can increase productivity by up to 15%. This is because plants have a calming effect on employees and help to reduce stress levels. A study conducted by the University of Technology, Sydney found that adding plants to the office led to a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety levels among employees.
- Reduce noise levels
Plants have been found to absorb sound waves, which can help to reduce noise levels in the office. This is particularly useful in open-plan offices where noise can be a major distraction for employees.
- Improve mental health
Having plants in the office can have a positive impact on employees’ mental health. A study by the University of Exeter found that employees who had plants in their workspace reported feeling happier, more motivated, and less stressed.
- Enhance creativity
Plants can also help to enhance creativity in the workplace. A study by the University of Michigan found that being around nature can improve cognitive function and enhance creativity.
Best plants to have in an office
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant is an excellent choice for the office as it is very low maintenance and can survive in low light conditions. It is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great addition to any office space.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is another low-maintenance plant that is great for the office. It is known for its ability to remove harmful pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde and xylene. It is also easy to propagate, meaning you can have multiple plants from just one.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a beautiful plant that is perfect for the office. It has air-purifying properties and can help to reduce the levels of mold spores in the air. It also produces beautiful white flowers, which can add to the aesthetics of the office.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is another low-maintenance plant that is perfect for the office. It can survive in low light conditions and only needs to be watered once every few weeks. It is also known for its ability to remove toxins from the air, making it a great addition to any office space.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Pothos is a trailing plant that is perfect for hanging baskets or trailing along shelves. It can survive in low light conditions and is known for its air-purifying properties. It is also easy to propagate, meaning you can have multiple plants from just one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having plants in the office can provide a range of benefits for employees, including improved air quality, increased productivity, reduced noise levels, improved mental health, and enhanced creativity. When it comes to choosing the best plants for the office, it is important to consider their maintenance requirements, as well as their air-purifying properties and aesthetic appeal. The five plants mentioned in this article, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, ZZ Plant, and Pothos, are all great choices for the office as they are low maintenance, have air-purifying properties, and add to the aesthetics of the office space.