There are numerous reasons to invest in indoor plants for the office environment. Plants help to create a welcoming atmosphere, they can clear airborne nasties from the air, and of course, they are nice to look at. But do they provide a return on investment?
Increasing Productivity
Various studies have shown that introducing plants into an office environment can help to increase productivity among workers. In one such study, Dr Virginia Lohr of Washington State University found that working in a plant-filled office not only increased productivity by 12%, but also decreased stress among workers by 12%.
Reducing Sickness
While sealed office environments are energy efficient, they can also promote Sick Building Syndrome. With no fresh air coming into the building, toxins become concentrated, resulting in higher absenteeism through sickness. Research has shown that plant-filled rooms contain 50-60% fewer airborne moulds and bacteria than rooms without plants – leading to lower levels of sickness among workers.
Lowering Costs
Research has shown that plants not only help to maintain comfortable humidity levels, they can also help to reduce heating and air conditioning costs. According to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, proper placement and selection of indoor plants can lower heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%.
Reducing Distractions
Working in an office can be distracting, and distractions can cause reduced productivity. The proper placement of indoor plants within an office can absorb noise, helping to reduce distractions among its workers.
Attracting and Retaining Staff
One way to attract and retain staff is to create an atmosphere that workers want to spend time in. Surveys conducted by Unifi Network in Connecticut suggest that a workplace must contain aspects of what inspires workers outside of work, and for many workers, gardening seemed to be an inspiration. By creating a ‘green’ atmosphere at work, businesses can create an environment that workers enjoy being in.
Choosing the right indoor plants
So, how do you choose the right indoor plants for your office? And how do you keep them well looked-after? One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to introduce plants into an office environment is indoor plant hire.
Choosing a company such as Gaddy’s indoor plant hire can provide you with the plants that are best suited to your needs, as well as expert advice on where to place them to gain maximum results. Best of all, they can also maintain the plants, keeping them healthy and working hard.
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