The Power of Plants: Creating a Thriving Post-Pandemic Workplace
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In the past few years, working practices have transformed. Around a quarter of the American workforce now work from home, with a further 20% of employees splitting their time between remote and office-based work.
With flexible, hybrid working now the norm, employers are increasingly focused on making offices better places to be in person. To enable an entire team to work productively and positively in the same location, it needs to be a space that people truly want to work in.
One of the most effective ways to do this is through “biophilic design”, which is all about creating closer connections to nature. Not only are biophilic workplaces beautiful spaces to be, but they improve our physical and mental health, as well as overall wellbeing.
So, what exactly is biophilic design and why is it such a powerful tool for the modern office?
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design seeks to reconnect people and buildings with the natural environment. “Biophilia” means a love of nature – and this concept is translated into all design decisions. Done right, it enhances feelings of harmony and the links between man-made architecture and nature.
In an age where it’s not uncommon to spend around 90% of our time indoors, this approach fulfills our innate need to connect with nature.
Just think, people frequently pay more for homes with a beautiful view, big windows, stunning scenery or nearby water. Why? It’s that powerful inborn yearning for nature (whether acknowledged or not) that promotes feelings of tranquility and happiness.
With more time spent back in the office, these principles are just as powerful in the workplace…
How can biophilic design help your office space?
Biophilic workplace design is about more than the occasional desk plant or ornamental display dotted around the office. Its holistic approach focuses on natural light and colors, organic materials, access to nature and links between indoor and outdoor spaces. Nonetheless, even a few plants in an indoor space can have a massive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Research shows that viewing natural plantings (whether through art, individual plants or living walls) reduces feelings of stress, fear and anger. This experience correspondingly promotes feelings of positivity, creativity and self-esteem. Indoor plantings communicate on a subconscious level that we’re in a place of abundance and refuge.
In addition to the emotional benefits, plants enhance air quality and positive perceptions of a workplace. With around 40% of sickness absence traced to poor indoor air quality, it’s a small change that can have a truly transformative impact.
Employers caring for their staff’s wellbeing not only see a happier, more collaborative workforce, but also increased productivity and creativity. It means less burnout and absenteeism, as well as staff feeling truly valued and genuinely happy to spend their time in the office. Harnessing the power of plants means you’ve not only created a stylish workplace, but also invested in the businesses’ bottom line.
In our post-pandemic era, investing in employee health and happiness in the workplace is a necessity. If you’re encouraging people back to your offices, explore our sustainable, personalized planting services today. With almost 30 years’ experience bringing mindful interior landscaping to workplaces, we can help you cultivate a deeper, more positive connection with nature and your staff.
