With all the talk about the need for greater wellbeing in the workplace, the one element frequently overlooked, despite its simplicity, affordability and scientific evidence, is the role biophilic design plays in reducing stress and boosting wellbeing and performance.
What if you had access to a strategy that could increase workplace wellbeing by 15 percent? Something that elevated your sense of purpose, kept you healthier, happier and improved job and customer satisfaction.
Studies have shown that working in an office environment that includes natural elements like natural light and greenery can raise productivity between six and 15 percent, and creativity by 15 percent.
Working in an office environment that includes natural elements like natural light and greenery can raise productivity between six and 15 percent.
And if you’re looking to take on a new hire, one global study revealed 33 percent of respondents said that office design would affect their decision to work for a company.
Whether it’s the use of natural colors such as blue or green, indoor plants, water features or natural elements such as stone or timber, biophilic or green design produces several powerful physiological and psychological effects. Let’s look at how biophilic design can make a good workplace great.
1. It lowers stress
Access to natural light is a top personal preference and strong predictor of productivity. Enjoying a green outlook or plants in the office not only reduces stress, but it also lowers blood pressure and helps you stay calm and focused. Even if you’re not fortunate enough to work near a window, having access to greenery in social and communal spaces indoors provides the same benefits.
2. It boosts cognition and creativity
When working hard, it can be a challenge to maintain sufficient mental energy to deliver your best. However, you can easily restore your focus by looking out onto a green space for 40 seconds or having an indoor plant within the periphery of your vision. Natural shapes, textures and artworks hanging in the office stimulate imagination and your ability to be more innovative with your ideas.
Sharper thinking also helps you learn more effectively, retain information and solve problems more quickly and easily. Better still, those indoor plants are highly efficient air purifiers removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and volatile organic compounds, and releasing more brain-enhancing oxygen.
One study by NASA showed that indoor plants can filter up to 87 percent of air pollutants in 24 hours, enabling you to breathe and think more easily.
3. You’re more resistant to those pesky office germs
Being exposed to nature indoors strengthens immune function, making you less susceptible to picking up the latest office illness doing the rounds. Fewer bouts of illness or not staying sick as long is a huge bonus to getting all your work done on time and to the level you know you’re capable of. Presenteeism sucks and does no-one any favors.
Having access to nature either indoors or via outdoor spaces, such as rooftop gardens and green courtyards, encourages breaks from sitting too long in front of a screen, promoting more physical activity, which also keeps you well.
4. You’re happier
The happiness at work movement tells us we’re happier when we see the results of our efforts and enjoy positive interpersonal work relationships, which is true. But it’s also true that the presence of plants is associated with a better mood and fosters a stronger sense of connection with the world, enhancing your mental wellbeing and reducing the risk of burnout.
Installing a living wall is a great way to enjoy a stronger sense of calm, clarity and overall happiness.
5. You enjoy work more
A nature-inspired workplace environment feels safe, secure, is visually pleasing and naturally becomes a place you’ll want to spend more time in. Considering the amount of time we spend at this place we call work, creating a nurturing green workspace is an obvious way to inspire job satisfaction and motivate you to deliver your best work.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to boost your workplace performance and productivity, it’s time to buddy up with your favorite indoor plants and invite nature in.
