Health Benefits of Office Plants

If you’re looking to boost productivity and create a greener workspace for your team, then adding office plants is a great idea. Not only do they add colour and texture to an otherwise sterile office but studies have shown that they have many health benefits too. US space research agency Nasa found that plants remove up to 87% of airborne toxins in 24 hours, which can otherwise lead to tiredness, sore throats and headaches. They also metabolise carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which helps people stay alert and productive.

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Plants are known as natural mood uplifters and stress reducers as they make people more relaxed and focussed. They can lower blood pressure and help heal faster, as well as improve sleep and mental health. The potting mix they grow in even has microbes that act as natural antidepressants, so just sitting by a plant can make you feel happier. For Plants for Trade, visit Palmstead plants for trade

Having plants around the office is one of the best ways to connect with nature as we spend most of our lives indoors at work. Studies have found that people are 15% more productive when houseplants are around. This is because they offer a visually meditative environment that encourages positive thinking and stimulates creativity.

Open-plan offices can have a problem with high noise levels and lack of privacy, so bringing in plants is a way to make the office more calming. They can also be used to create different ‘zones’ in the office, where people can go to have private conversations and relax.

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Office plants also provide a natural source of fresh air by filtering out harmful chemicals from the air. They absorb carbon dioxide and toxins, and release oxygen in a process called photosynthesis. This means they’re able to clean the air of things like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Plants are also excellent at removing airborne bacteria and viruses, which can cause illnesses such as coughs and sore throats.

The colour green is said to have a soothing effect and the presence of plants can reduce tension and anxiety, so it’s no wonder that offices with plants have higher well being scores than those without. In fact, a report by Human Spaces found that workers who have access to natural elements are 15% more productive than those in offices with no plants at all.

Plants are a great addition to any office and many have the added benefit of being low maintenance plants. If you’re looking for a more permanent addition to your office, consider a living wall as they are much easier to maintain than traditional plants and are the perfect way to bring in a touch of nature. They also reduce building energy costs by insulating the walls in winter and reducing heat loss in summer, as they naturally cool the space.