The Benefits of Indoor Plants in the Office

Adding indoor plants to your office space can provide many benefits beyond simply brightening up the decor.

Studies have shown that incorporating plants into office environments can improve productivity, increase creativity, reduce stress and more. If you're considering bringing some greenery into your office, here are some of the top benefits to consider.

Improves Air Quality

Indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air due to factors like ventilation systems, office equipment, furnishings and cleaning products. This poor air quality can lead to reduced productivity and increased sick days for employees. Plants can act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde through their leaves and soil. They can also increase humidity levels and reduce dust. Adding a few low-maintenance plants around your office is an easy way to help clean and freshen the air your team breathes every day.

Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

The stresses of the modern workplace can take their toll on employees' mental health and morale. However, having plants in the office has been found to make a significant difference. Natural elements like plants and sunlight have been shown to have restorative effects, reducing stress and anxiety. Greenery also makes spaces seem more inviting and comfortable. Employees in offices with plants report higher job satisfaction, greater enthusiasm about their work and lower levels of worry or tension. Bringing plants into an office is an impactful way to create a more positive and uplifting environment.

Increases Productivity

While a stressful office can hurt productivity, a green and vibrant workspace can give it a notable boost. Employees who work in offices with plants can maintain higher, steadier levels of concentration and are found to be more productive overall. One study found that offices with plants saw employee productivity increase by 15%. The positive effects of having office plants nearby while you work can really add up when it comes to employee output and efficiency.

Promotes Creativity

Along with increasing productivity, indoor plants can stimulate creative thinking and idea generation. The presence of living plants promotes more innovative, flexible and creative thoughts and mindsets according to research. If your office is in need of fresh perspectives and inspiration, bringing in some leafy stimulation could help spark imaginative thinking and problem-solving among employees.

Watering Tips

Caring for office plants properly will ensure they continue providing their many benefits. When it comes to watering office plants, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check the soil - Feel the top inch or two of soil before watering to see if it is dry. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Water thoroughly - When watering, add enough water so it drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root system is hydrated.
• Water on a consistent schedule - Determine the watering needs of each plant (usually weekly or biweekly) and water on a regular schedule based on that.
• Assign plant watering duties - Having one person in charge of watering reduces the chance of plants being over or underwatered. Post a schedule reminding them when to water each plant.

It's also worth looking to compare business water suppliers through websites like The Business Water Shop to find potential savings on water used for office plants and other business needs.

With the right care, indoor plants can thrive in your UK office for years to come. Follow these simple tips to help them continue purifying your office air, boosting moods, increasing productivity and sprucing up your office decor.