Adding plants in the office or business has been proven to provide both mental and physical benefits for you and your employees. How? By reducing stress, providing a more welcoming environment, and cleaning the air (leading to fewer illnesses).

What does it mean to add plants in the office?

Plants can be added to an office in various ways, including placing potted plants on desks and shelves or creating a lush indoor garden or plant wall. Adding plants may also be part of a more extensive design choice, biophilic design, a holistic approach integrating nature into a built environment to enhance well-being and productivity.

Why is adding plants in the office a socially responsible action?

Incorporating plants in the office is a socially responsible action because it aligns with broader environmental and well-being goals. Businesses contribute to a healthier planet by enhancing indoor air quality and promoting a connection with nature, which is essential for a sustainable future. Additionally, it demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction, another fundamental aspect of social responsibility.

How can adding plants in the office help your business?

1. Increase Brand Awareness: A plant-filled office (or business) can set your business apart and enhance brand recognition. It showcases your commitment to environmental sustainability and employee well-being and creates a more memorable and engaging experience for visiting your office or business. 
2. Enhance Customer Relationships: A green office can provide a unique and inviting atmosphere for client meetings and interactions. It also demonstrates your dedication to a positive, sustainable, healthy, and welcoming environment, which can foster stronger customer relationships and brand loyalty.
3. Enhance Employee Relationships: Employees appreciate workplaces prioritizing well-being and sustainability. A plant-rich office environment can boost employee morale and engagement, strengthening team bonds and improving colleague relationships. Plants have also been proven to improve indoor air quality, demonstrating your commitment to providing a healthy and appealing workplace, which can improve overall employee satisfaction.
4. Improve Financial Performance: Reduced absenteeism and increased productivity due to a healthier and more enjoyable workspace can result in cost savings and higher profits. Additionally, attracting new customers who value sustainability can increase your customer base and revenue, contributing to overall financial growth.

How can you get started?

To begin incorporating plants into your office, consider the following steps:

1. Research the types of plants suitable for your workspace, considering factors such as available space, lighting conditions, and potential toxicity to pets, if applicable.
2. Determine a watering and maintenance schedule and assign responsibilities for plant care among employees.
3. Explore the possibility of hiring a professional plant service to assist with plant selection, procurement, and maintenance.
4. Consider more extensive green initiatives, such as installing a green wall or living plant art installations.

For additional guidance, consult the articles, resources, and businesses listed below.

*It's important to make sure your Small Actions connect to your business to make them effective. Learn more about what it means to be effective in our related blog post. 

Interested in Learning More?

Articles about plants in the office:

• Seven Benefits of Having Plants in your Office (Ciphr.com)
• 7 Reasons To Introduce Office Plants In Your Workplace (Hoppier.com)
• The Benefits of Office Plants (Ambius.com)
• The Benefits of Indoor Plants in the Office (Wework.com)

Ideas for getting started:

• The Ultimate Guide to Office Plants (Ambius.com)
• How to Add Plants to an Office to Make Employees More Focused and Productive (Entrepreneur.com)

Published studies:

• “Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing”, Margaret Burchett et al. University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), 2010 
• “The relative benefits of green versus lean office space: Three field experiments.” Nieuwenhuis, M., Knight, C., Postmes, T., Haslam, S. A. (2014).

• https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/a-green-office-may-beat-a-lean-office.html
  • “Indeed, simply enriching a previously spartan space with plants served to increase productivity by 15%—a figure that aligns closely with findings in previously conducted laboratory studies.”
• https://tropicalplantrentals.com.au/research-resources/wellbeing-improved-by-indoor-greenery-australian-uts-study – Improve well-being:
  • 30% reduction in confusion
  • 37% reduction in tension/anxiety
  • 4.5% increase in vigour
  • 38% reduction in fatigue
  • 58% reduction in depression/dejection
  • 44% reduction in anger/hostility