Workplace plants: Enhance your desk and mood with green companions

Most of us appreciate how beautiful flowers and trees look and know that photosynthesis is essential for our lives. But our mental and physical wellbeing and connection to plant life are deeper than you realise.

Adding plants of all sizes and colours is the simplest way of bringing nature into all our indoor spaces, enhancing them aesthetically while promoting our wellbeing. While there is nothing new about gardening, the gardening boom during the COVID-19 pandemic speaks volumes about its various benefits for the gardener and the spaces that plants occupy. India's booming lawn and garden market is driven by a growing middle class and increasing urbanization, creating more demand for landscaping services (beautifying gardens) and gardening products.

So let’s look at some scientific evidence and benefits showing that plants play a fundamental role in improving our lives. Here are some more ways plants can lead to a happier workplace:

1. Improved air quality: As you may already know, plants enhance air quality around them, removing up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours, according to NASA Clean-Air research. Those like Money-Plants (Pothos), Zz plant and Peace Lily are especially known to reduce toxins like carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde. Plants also act as a natural humidifier, which is a big benefit for stuffy or small offices. 
2. Stress reduction: Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, has shown that interacting with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Studies also show that 

In fact, a study showed that patients who had plants in their hospital rooms reported less pain, lower BP and less anxiety than the patients with no plants in their rooms.

3. Enhanced productivity & Creativity: Research by the University of Exeter found that employees were 15% more productive when workplaces were "enriched" with just a few houseplants. This increase in productivity is linked to better air quality and lowered stress. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied found that employees working in environments with plants demonstrated more innovative thinking than those without greenery. When you’re healthier, feeling less stressed, and getting more sleep, you tend to be a lot more productive at work. Working in an office with plants significantly boosts your creativity, problem-solving skills, concentration, and memory retention.
4. Improved wellbeing: Studies have revealed that being around plants increases the amount of serotonin and other anxiety-reducing chemicals in your body. When you breathe better, you’ll notice that you may be more calm, less stressed, and generally in a better mood. According to a study by the University of Queensland, employees in offices with plants reported higher levels of concentration, satisfaction, and perceived air quality. They also experienced reduced feelings of tension and anxiety.

How can  I take care of indoor plants?

There are many indoor plants today that can be taken care of with more ease, but there are a few things that are important to keep in mind - 

• Find out how much light is required for the plant: not all plants require direct or bright sunlight, many require shade. However, no plant can live with zero light, so find an artificial light source in case there is less chance for sunlight to make it through. 
• Find out how much water is required for the plant: one of the most common mistakes of growing indoor plants is overwatering it. Most of these require water just once or twice a week, or even lesser. This is because soil in the shade needs time to dry out fully, or else it could lead to root rot.
• Use the right type of soil and pot: most indoor plants need well-draining soil and a pot that can drain excess water, and use fertilizer once a month in a limited quantity. 
• If this is a pet-friendly workspace or a house with animals, take a check on whether the plants of your choice are safe for them. 

Here’s a list of low-maintenance plants you can care for at home or at the workspace: Areca Palm, Snake Plant, Calathea, Monstera, Anthurium, Heart leaf Philodendron and Spider Plant. Many nurseries or online sites help in understanding the specific needs of these plants and support you in maintaining them. 

However, know that even the easiest-to-care-for plants need regular care and supervision. Remember every plant is a commitment, and growing plants is a skill that can be developed with care and patience. And gardening itself can be quite a meditative hobby!

A green prescription

Countries like New Zealand and Canada now encourage “green prescriptions” as alternatives to medication. These are directives from doctors to spend some time outdoors each day or month, acknowledging the very real health benefits that venturing into nature can offer. Extending this, bringing these natural elements into the workplace or at home creates a physical environment that feels welcoming and boosts energy levels. Plants in indoor spaces improve the potential and ambience of a workspace far beyond beauty. 

FAQs

What is Biophilia? 

The Biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other living beings. Interacting with plants satisfies this innate need and can promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

Are there any considerations for employees with allergies or sensitivities to plants? 

You can choose non-flowering or low-pollen plants to minimize allergy risks, and ensure proper ventilation and air circulation to reduce allergens in the workplace.

What are some tips for integrating plants into office decor effectively?

• You can use vertical gardening or hanging plants to maximize space and visual impact. You can also use planters that are visually calming or fun to look at, that also enhance the overall aesthetics. 
• Make sure to arrange plants in a way that creates focal points or natural barriers in open spaces, making sure there’s enough space for them to grow to their maximum size.