The Health Benefits of Houseplants

Humans and nature have evolved together, so it’s no surprise we have an innate connection to the nature, whether we’re aware of it or not. Sadly most offices and workspaces are stripped of this natural environment, but many studies, including one by NASA, have shown that simply adding some greenery can have major positive benefits for employees and their companies.

1. Plants Help to Reduce Stress

A 2010 University of Technology Sydney study identified a significant reduction in stress reported among workers when plants were introduced to their office. 58% drop in depression or dejection was reported, as was a 44% decrease in anger an hostility, a 38% reduction in fatigue and a 37% fall in tension and anxiety.

2. Plants Help Increase Productivity

The 2015 Human Spaces report found those who work in environments with natural elements report a 6% increase in productivity, and are 15% more creative.

A 2014 University of Exeter report found productivity jumps 15% when a handful of houseplants are added to a workspace. Just 1 plant per square metre improved memory retention and helped employees score higher on other basic tests.

3. Plants Clean the Air

Businesses wishing to reduce their carbon footprint take note: a recent study by the University of Technology Sydney found plants can help reduce carbon dioxide levels by about 25% in building without air conditioning and about 10% in buildings with air conditioning.Modern buildings with sealed air can contain up to 10 times more pollutants than the air outside. In the 1980s NASA discovered certain plants were great at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene from the air, making it cleaner for humans to breathe.

4. Plants Can Help Reduce Sickness and Absence

A small study by the Agricultural university of Norway found the introduction of plants to an office was linked to a 25% decrease in symptoms of ill health.

Plants help stabilize humidity levels, which is good for This could be a way to prevent sick building syndrome, by boosting employees’ mental and physical health.

5. Plants Can Help Reduce Noise Levels and Improve Concentration

Plants change the acoustics of a room by reducing reverberation time. This can reduce the effects of distracting office chatter and reduce any unpleasant echoey sounds often found in areas of multiple hard, flat surfaces.A 1995 paper by researchers at London South Bank University confirms this.

6. Plants Make Workspaces More Attractive to Applicants

A third of us say that workplace design would affect our decision to join a company, yet nearly 50% of workers have no natural light in their workplaces according to the 2015 Human Spaces report. Green design is a great way to be a more attractive employer giving you an edge when it comes to the top candidates.