Lifestyle

Why Office Plants Are More than Just Decoration

— The ripple effect of introducing plants to an office often happens in unusual ways, creating an environment that rejuvenates people instead of draining them.
By Emily WilsonPUBLISHED: September 23, 10:20UPDATED: September 23, 10:24 1760
Office workspace with indoor plants improving mood and productivity

Bring someone into a room full of plants, and suddenly you feel an improvement in mood. It's not just that plants themselves don't brighten an otherwise dark corner of a room; it changes people’s movement, train of thought, and even dialogue with each other. As little as a leafy desktop can revamp an office’s mood more than most would think.

The Ripple Effect in Stress and Concentration

Research has shown that indoor plants can reduce stress and help one concentrate, but it’s incredible how those benefits have spillover effects. Employees will be less anxious in an office studded with plants, finding it less stressful to resolve issues and easier to collaborate. That’s not an insignificant detail when time’s running short and debate can soon become inflammatory.

Architecture That Communicates Without Language

There’s also an aesthetic element that quietly provides the tone. Concrete and screens can provide an austere environment, and certain plants bring texture and warmth. The clients pay attention to. They may not necessarily think, “Oh, they have a ficus in front of the window,” but they depart feeling as if the firm cares and is less intimidating. Impressions frequently stick around in ways we do not consciously take in.

Productivity Gains You Can Feel

Productivity increases are another commonly overlooked benefit. The individuals sitting in front of plants experience fewer headaches and less lethargy. Cleaner air is part of it, as it's also the digital glare-free pause one's eyes receive from resting on leaves for several seconds. The one-minute reset often translates to a clearer attention-grabber after re-focusing at work.

Building Culture Through Small Signals

The cultural effect can't be ignored, either. An office splurging on little details like plants sends out the signal that well-being matters. The signal runs quietly but powerfully through one's own team. Staff feel more respected, and once people feel respected, they stick around and give more willingly. 

The Supply and Procurement Function

Of course, there’s also practicality to all this. The plants have to be kept, and this can actually encourage teamwork. When different people take it in turns to water or keep an eye on them, there’s a tiny sense of shared responsibility. It’s much the same principle as in larger organizational systems. Just as commercial enterprises can utilize fleet tracking with gps to keep trucks in sync and on schedule, an office rota for plants can build rhythm and responsibility on an entirely smaller level.

Choosing Plants to Suit You

It’s helpful to choose plants responsibly. Hardy ones like pothos or snake plants withstand fluorescent lighting and do not necessitate regular maintenance. Where there’s more natural light in an office, fiddle leaf figs or peace lilies have a dramatic effect without prompting another ounce of hassle.

More than a Cosmetic Touch

The ripple effect of introducing plants to an office often happens in unusual ways. The dialogue becomes less formal, break rooms get used more, and even meetings become less stressful in the presence of ambient foliage. It can’t be solved by one plant, but as a collective, they create an environment that rejuvenates people instead of draining them.

Begin little and observe it develop

So if your office is feeling a little dull, start small. Add one or two plants, see how it affects you, and expand from there. Before you know it, you may find yourself finding the plants to be as much a part of your culture and production as the computers keeping the business running.

Photo of Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson is a content strategist and writer with a passion for digital storytelling. She has a background in journalism and has worked with various media outlets, covering topics ranging from lifestyle to technology. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring new coffee shops.

View More Articles