1) Better, fresher air indoors
The air in modern office buildings is often less than ideal. Sealed windows rely on internal air circulation, with low humidity, leading to headaches, fatigue and irritated eyes. In winter, these symptoms feel especially prevalent as a result of freezing cold air outside coupled with the blast of the central heating. But plants are the saviours. Through photosynthesis and transpiration, plants release fresh oxygen and water vapour into the air, making the environment around them feel cool and pleasant.
2) More peace and creativity
Scientific research by NCMBI shows that active interaction with houseplants can reduce stress when compared to a task on a computer. Watering plants calms the nervous system, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens natural feelings of peace. So it’s a good idea to include a plant break from time to time, particularly if you have a desk job. Your creativity is also improved by having just one plant on your desk. Researchers at TNO (2007) believe this is due to the healing and calming effect plants have. It should be easy to persuade your boss to agree to a sansivieria or two.
3) Less noise and stress
Chattering printers, ringing phones, gossiping colleagues all make up the background noises of an open-plan office. But with the right plants in the right place you can still concentrate, because South Bank University in London has found that plants help reduce noise levels. They catch soundwaves with their leaves, reflecting them or scattering them. Place your plants in the corner for the best effect - or a few in a group is even better. They’ll win Employee of the Year in no time.
CREATING A GREEN HOME OFFICE
Fill your home office with greenery and you'll reap the benefits. Is your home office too small for lots of plants? Take to the ceiling! There is always space above your workstation, so it's a shame not to make use of it. For example, attach a rack to the wall where you can hang plant pots.
You can also place plants on your desk, but also on a shelf, on top of a cupboard, in a plant hanger on the ceiling and in a large pot on the floor. The possibilities for a green home office are endless.
TIPS FOR PLANTING your home office
- The Umbrella Plant and the Diefenbachia provide extra air purification.
- Curled fern, Caladium and Rhipsalis provide leaf diversity and attract attention with their striking shapes.
- With the Tillandsia Samantha and Bromeliad, you add some colourful, exotic beauty.
- Monstera, Ficus, Alocasia and Begonia have beautiful leaves that to attract your attention and stimulate your creativity.
- Anthurium and Hydrangea treat you to stylish flowers.
MORE INSPIRATION
Be inspired by our green style guide and discover how you can make every room in the house greener, and see all of our plant-based inspiration here. Share your own green inspiration with us via Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #thejoyofplants.
