How can you use biophilic design elements to improve the mental health and mood of your staff?

Being an HR specialist working with an organization of only 40 individuals, I have seen 2 of my young staff members getting diagnosed with hypertension in past 45 days. Work stress can have a serious impact on people's life and today's fast-paced culture does not help in this at all. It is very important to provide your employees with a mentally healthy work environment. It is important to understand the impact of stress on the human body. Having a biophilic design can always help reduce the chances of having stress-related problems and can bring a positive change in the atmosphere.

It's high time businesses recognize the power of nature in boosting overall workplace satisfaction. The positive effects on employee health and productivity make biophilic design a smart investment. Check out Second Home. They are a coworking company with a HEAVY focus on biophillic design.

Biophilic design is like nature's office makeover, and the plant-to-people ratio is a crucial detail. Studies recommend one plant per three square meters to spruce up air quality and keep the office serene. The benefits are akin to a botanical orchestra! Reduced stress, mood boost, and heightened creativity are on the playlist. And here's a thought: Plants are nature's canary down the coal mine. If we can't even keep them alive in the office, imagine the impact on employees. Let's embrace biophilic design for a happier, healthier, and greener workplace – a win-win for everyone!

The research is sound and executives can rest assured that nature-based solutions yield a significant return on investment. With improvements across productivity, creativity, retention and attractiveness to new talent, these evidence-based interventions are a win-win for the company and employees alike.

Well+ Certification requires both natural design elements and art in workplace environments to meet their standards. I would recommend installing nature inspired art (such as forest photography) to meet both of these requirements. Nature imagery has both a calming and inspiring benefit in office environments.

There's no excuse not to try biophilic design! With so many options to choose from, businesses can customize their space to reflect their unique style while reaping the benefits nature has to offer. Again, check out Second Home, they are the leaders in this space in my mind.

Biophilic design isn't new and institutions like Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have already implemented these changes. With rolling hillsides that blend seamlessly into the rooftop, interior courtyards with waterfalls and trees, and large windows to capture natural light, these spaces are healing for those within.

Increasing the presence of nature in the workplace aligns seamlessly with the sustainability objectives of numerous organizations and -at the same time- holds immense potential for positively impacting various facets of the work environment. Emotions, cognitive processes and physical health all stand to benefit significantly from the integration of nature into workspace design. These empirical outcomes underscore that incorporating micro-nature experiences into indoor spaces such as natural light, natural materials and greenery, can have a meaningful and positive impact on the employee experience.

Applying biophilic design doesn't have to break the bank. Assess your current workspace, get staff feedback, and gradually implement changes to create a healthier, happier environment. The key to successful biophilic design is flexibility and creativity. By adapting to your specific needs, you can craft a workspace that nurtures both your employees and your bottom line.

Countless startups and organizations are using technology to map your office space and provide a vision of what it could be. They will present ideas that do away with the cold, sterile office space of yesterday. This might include natural analogues like hallways that curve, intermittent ventilation to simulate the wind, and the use of more natural materials like wood and stone. You also don't need to look very far to find companies that will install and maintain living walls. These typically include a mix of plants, succulents and sometimes moss. Sometimes they will circulate and recycle the water flowing through, minimizing its environmental footprint.

Biophilic design is the future of workspace design. By incorporating natural elements, you'll create a thriving environment where employees feel inspired, supported, and connected. It's time to let nature work its magic! ????

We need to remember that we've exited the age of the workplace, and entered the age of the workspace. For many, their workspace is their dining room table. Companies should consider welcoming every new employee with their choice of plant, or a 'green budget' under which team members can expense their plants. This small cost will yield incredible benefits.