Why You Need Plants In Your Workspace.

Sharon was a hardworking woman, with a thriving career in the fast-paced corporate world. However, she found herself constantly struggling with respiratory issues, coughs, and a stuffy nose. Despite multiple trips to the doctor, she couldn't seem to shake off her persistent respiratory problems.

One day, while walking through a beautiful botanical garden, she stumbled upon an exhibit on indoor plants and their benefits. She learned that plants could improve air quality, remove harmful toxins from the environment, and reduce stress levels. Intrigued, Sharon decided to try it out and brought a few plants into her office and home.

At first, she didn't notice any significant changes. However, as the weeks passed by, Sharon began to feel more energized, and her respiratory problems started to disappear. The air in her home and office felt fresher and more revitalizing than ever before, and her colleagues began to notice the positive changes in her demeanour.

As Sharon delved deeper into her new hobby, she discovered that different plants had unique benefits. For example, the Snake Plant, which was a natural air purifier, helped to remove toxins from the air and improve the overall air quality of her home. The Spider Plant, on the other hand, helped to reduce the levels of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde in her space.

Plants have long been admired for their aesthetic appeal, but did you know that adding plants to your office space can also have a positive impact on your health and productivity? Research shows that incorporating greenery into your work environment can provide a variety of benefits, from improving air quality to reducing stress levels. Here are just a few reasons why you need plants in your office:

1. Improved air quality

Indoor air quality can be a major issue in many office buildings, especially those with poor ventilation systems. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. Plants, however, can help to improve air quality by removing harmful toxins and pollutants from the air. Studies have found that plants can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air in just 24 hours.

2. Reduced stress levels

Work-related stress can be a major issue for many people, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health problems like depression and anxiety. Research has found that plants can help to reduce stress levels by creating a more calming and relaxing environment. One study found that adding plants to an office space led to a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety levels among employees.

3. Increased productivity

Plants can also have a positive impact on productivity in the workplace. One study found that adding plants to an office space led to a 15% increase in productivity among employees. Another study found that workers in a plant-filled office reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were more likely to engage in creative problem-solving.

4. Improved mental health

In addition to reducing stress levels, plants can also have a positive impact on mental health in the workplace. Research has found that exposure to plants can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improve overall mood and well-being.

Incorporating plants into your office space doesn't have to be a complicated or expensive process. Small potted plants, like succulents or spider plants, can be placed on desks or windowsills, while larger plants, like fiddle-leaf figs or peace lilies, can be used as focal points in common areas. Not only will these plants improve the overall aesthetic of your office space, but they can also provide a variety of health and productivity benefits for you and your colleagues.

In conclusion, adding plants to your office space can provide a variety of benefits, from improving air quality to reducing stress levels and increasing productivity. If you're looking for a simple and effective way to enhance your work environment, consider incorporating some greenery into your space today.

References:

1. NASA. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. Retrieved from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077
2. Lohr, V. I., Pearson-Mims, C. H., & Goodwin, G. K. (1996). Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 14(2), 97-100.
3. Raanaas, R. K., Patil, G. G., & Alve, G. K. (2011). Benefits of indoor plants on attention capacity in an office setting. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 31(1), 99-105.
4. Anacker, K. B., & Krug, I. (2019). Effects of indoor plants on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 65, 101-109.