Working Close to Nature: The Power of Indoor Plants in Our Workspaces

Growing up in a small village in Kerala, I was always surrounded by nature. The lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, and the ever-present hum of life made the outdoors an essential part of my daily routine. Nature was my playground, my solace, and my teacher. Every morning, I would wake up to the sight of the clear blue sky dotted with cotton-like clouds, and the air was always fresh, filled with the scent of earth after a rain.

Moving to Dubai for work, was one of the biggest changes in my life and I’m still trying to get used to its towering skyscrapers and the hustle-bustle of city life. The city offered endless opportunities, but something was missing—nature's calming presence.

I still remember walking into the Business Experts Gulf’s office for the first time. It was my interview day, and I was understandably nervous. But as I stepped into the reception area, i was pleasantly surprised by the lush greenery that filled the space and created a completely different vibe from the outside environment.

They stood in every corner, adding a soft, natural touch to the otherwise modern and sleek space. I was instantly calmed by their presence. In a way, it felt like the plants were welcoming me, reminding me of my roots, the village I had left behind, and the importance of staying connected to nature, even in the heart of a bustling city.

Now, after two years at Business Experts Gulf , those same plants continue to be a source of comfort. I’ve watched them grow, shed their leaves, and blossom again—just as I’ve grown in my role here.

It made me curious about why my boss, who designed the office, put so much emphasis on plants. When I finally asked, his answer was simple but profound: "Plants are life. They remind us to stay grounded, to nurture our surroundings, and to find moments of peace even in the most chaotic environments."

Nature’s Role in Sparking Productivity and Creativity

Having spent my formative years immersed in nature, I learned early on that the environment we create around us can significantly affect how we think, feel, and perform. There’s a reason people seek out nature when they need to clear their minds or spark creativity. For me, it was those peaceful walks through the paddy fields that always led to my best ideas.

So, why not bring that kind of inspiration into the workplace, where we spend most of our time? More companies are catching onto this idea. Take Amazon’s Seattle campus, for instance, which houses over 40,000 trees, or Apple Park, with its 9,000 trees spread across a futuristic campus. These are deliberate efforts to create environments that reduce stress and improve creativity. ?

Studies back up what I’ve always known intuitively. Texas A&M University researchers found that workers surrounded by plants were more innovative and solved problems more effectively. It’s fascinating to see how something as simple as adding plants to an office can boost creativity and productivity—two qualities I’ve always valued in my personal and professional life.

In fact, this idea extends beyond just businesses. In a Journal of Environmental Horticulture study, students in a computer lab worked 12% faster and felt less stressed when plants were present. For someone who grew up surrounded by green, it’s no surprise to me that greenery helps us think more clearly and work more efficiently.

The Healing Power of Biophilic Design

I’ll never forget the day my grandmother pointed to the fields outside and said, “The earth heals us.” As a child, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. But now, having moved away from the natural environment of my youth, her words make perfect sense. We are innately connected to the earth. It’s no wonder that, even in city offices, adding just a touch of greenery can have profound effects on our well-being.

This innate connection we humans have with nature is known as biophilia. It’s why we’re drawn to natural elements, whether it’s a scenic painting, a potted plant on a desk, or a leafy tree outside the window. Incorporating nature into our living and working spaces—known as biophilic design—can significantly boost our mental and physical health.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us all the importance of well-being, both mental and physical. Job seekers now prioritize eco-friendly, healthy work environments over traditional offices. That’s why more companies are adopting biophilic design principles to attract and retain talent. According to a study by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, workers in green-certified buildings not only performed better cognitively but also slept better and experienced fewer health issues. This data resonates deeply with me, as I’ve personally experienced how a connection to nature can improve our health.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Workspace

When I first moved to Dubai, I started collecting plants for my small apartment as a way to bring a little piece of home with me. Over time, my collection grew, and I learned the importance of choosing plants that fit the space. In our office, we have a similar approach. From the low-maintenance ZZ plant, which thrives on minimal sunlight and water, to the elegant Areca palm, which adds a tropical touch, each plant serves a purpose. These plants aren’t just decorative—they purify the air, reduce stress, and create a positive atmosphere.

My favourite, the Areca Palm, has a special place in our office. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also improves concentration and cognitive function—two things we all need during those long workdays. It reminds me of the palm trees I grew up with, always towering above, providing shade and a sense of peace.

Boosting ESG Performance Through Green Spaces

Incorporating indoor plants into an office doesn’t just benefit employees—it also aligns with a company’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Plants help purify the air, reducing the need for artificial air purifiers and lowering energy consumption. This commitment to sustainability not only improves employee health but also reduces a company’s carbon footprint, which is essential in today’s environmentally-conscious world.

Socially, plants create a more pleasant and welcoming environment. They reduce stress and boost creativity, which improves overall employee engagement. For someone like me, who finds solace in nature, the plants make the office feel like a second home—a place where I want to be. And that sense of belonging translates into better performance and lower absenteeism.

From a governance perspective, adopting green practices signals to stakeholders that a company values sustainability. Investors are increasingly considering ESG performance when making decisions, so incorporating plants and other biophilic elements into an office can also improve a company’s marketability.

From Roots to Reality: The Impact of Nature in My Life and Work

For me, plants are more than just decorative—they are a link to my past, to my roots, and to the nature that shaped who I am. Having grown up surrounded by the beauty of Kerala’s landscapes, I understand firsthand the power of nature to calm the mind, inspire creativity, and foster well-being. It’s why I pay so much attention to the green spaces around me, and why I’m passionate about incorporating plants into our workspaces.

As companies continue to evolve, Millennials and Gen Z—the largest segment of the future workforce—are drawn to purpose-driven work and eco-friendly environments. Bringing nature into the workplace is a simple yet powerful way to meet these expectations, improving employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. Indoor plants are not just a trend; they’re a bridge between our hectic, urban lives and the calming influence of nature—a reminder that no matter where we are, we can always stay connected to the world around us.