When I first started working in an office environment it was an open space with row upon row of desks. Eventually, studies indicated that productivity could be gained when employees were placed in cubicles, so instead of open space we got walls of fabric. Then, it became popular to go “lean and mean” and “less became more” in an effort to cut costs and expenses; warehouse-style buildings became offices. The word “sterile” comes to mind and some employers even got rid of plants in their offices as a cost-cutting measure. Well, a recent study suggests they may want to rethink that decision in particular!
Recent research in the U.K. from the University of Exeter and Cardiff University’s school of psychology challenged the notion that a lean office with clean desks was more productive and they came up with some interesting but probably not surprising results. The researchers monitored levels of productivity in two larger commercial offices in the U.K. and The Netherlands and found that adding plants to the office increased productivity by 15%. This not only paid for the plants but also improved the bottom line as well.
“Greening” the office increased worker satisfaction, improved their concentration, and cleaned the air as well. It made employees feel that their employer cared about their quality of life and helped employees manage their stress levels more effectively. Sprucing up the office not only improved the health of the employees but contributed to the healthy bottom line of the organization. Researchers are going so far as to work with designers to build a new “smart” office, but in the meantime here are some suggestions for some plants that might be good choices for your office.
Many offices don’t have a lot of natural sunlight so plants that have lower light requirements probably work best. Pots of hanging plants such as spider plants, philodendron, or ivy are good choices and you can try pothos plants with their variegated leaves if you want to add a little color to all that green. Potted plants that would be suited for these conditions include peace lily, dracaena, also known as corn plant, and cast iron plant. If you want to add something a little more interesting try the snake plant, also known as mother in law’s tongue, with its thin, upright leaves.
For those offices blessed with a sunny window, there are a different set of choices. If you don’t want to do a lot of watering than cactus and succulents such as sedum or hens and chicks are great choices. Aloe Vera or Jade Plant can also tolerate these conditions. If you are looking for a little color and can give your plants a little more “TLC” you can grow geraniums or begonias in a sunny window. Most of these plants are readily available as well as relatively inexpensive so why not try sprucing your office up and bring a little “green” to your office or cubicle.
