Introducing plants into the office environment goes far beyond mere aesthetics and offers a multitude of benefits that directly impact the working atmosphere, performance and mood of employees. Choosing the right plants in the office space plays a crucial role in this.
Why Plants Are Important in the Office
Creating a healthy working environment
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Air-purifying properties of plants: The air-purifying properties of plants, such as Philodendron and Sansevieria , are not only visually appealing, but also improve the indoor climate by filtering pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. This contributes to a healthy atmosphere in the office and has a positive effect on the well-being of employees. Numerous studies, including the Clean Air Study conducted by NASA, show that certain plants filter pollutants from the air and thereby improve air quality.
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Effects on employee well-being: Reducing stress and creating a pleasant working atmosphere are particularly relevant. According to studies such as that shown by Dr. Virginia Lohr at Washington State University, the presence of plants has a proven positive effect on the general well-being of employees.
Promoting creativity and concentration
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Study results and findings: The integration of plants into office spaces not only promotes aesthetic design, but also has a demonstrable impact on employee productivity. Studies by the University of Exeter and Texas A&M University show that plants can increase productivity by up to 15% and significantly increase creativity.
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Examples of successful implementations: Successful implementations at companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft demonstrate that the targeted placement of plants not only on the desk, but also in common areas and courtyards, leads to a natural and conducive working environment.
Choosing the right office plants, taking into account lighting conditions, maintenance requirements, aesthetics and other criteria, not only creates a pleasant appearance, but also actively supports the health, creativity and concentration of employees in the office. Well-being is also promoted by the targeted choice of houseplants, suitable substrate and the use of water level indicators.
Selection Criteria for Office Plants
Choosing the right office plants requires careful consideration and consideration of various criteria to ensure effective integration into the office ambience. Here are important factors that can be important when choosing office plants:
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Lighting conditions: Examine the lighting conditions in the office to select plants that match the existing lighting conditions. Houseplants vary in their sunlight needs, so this adjustment is crucial.
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Maintenance effort: Consider the amount of maintenance that employees can put into the plants. Low-maintenance plants are particularly suitable for beginners and provide effective and uncomplicated privacy.
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Humidity: Some plants help increase humidity, which is particularly beneficial in dry office environments such as those caused by air conditioning. Selecting such plants helps to create a pleasant indoor climate.
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Space requirements: Consider the available space and choose plants according to the size of the room. Open-plan offices can be structured by placing plants to define areas and create privacy.
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Watering requirements: Make sure the plants' watering requirements match the care options. Some plants require more frequent watering, while others are more economical with water, and incorporating a water level indicator is a useful tool.
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Aesthetics: Consider the visual impact of plants in the office. Aesthetically pleasing houseplants can not only positively influence the overall atmosphere, but also serve as a decorative privacy screen.
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Air purification effect: Choose plants that have been proven to improve air quality and filter pollutants. This not only contributes to the health of employees, but also helps create an effective indoor climate.
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Location in the office: Consider where the plants can best be placed. Compact plants are suitable for the desk, while XXL floor plants can effectively fill large areas. Shelf plants should not only save space, but also be decorative.
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Noise absorption: Remember that some plants can reduce noise in the office, which is especially beneficial in open-plan offices. These plants help create a calm and focused work environment.
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Vacation care: Consider how easy it is to care for plants while you are away, especially during vacation periods. Plants that can handle short-term neglect offer an effective solution for a carefree approach to care.
Taking these criteria into account makes it easier to select office plants that not only meet aesthetic requirements, but can also serve as effective elements for improving the indoor climate, providing privacy and promoting a pleasant working environment.
Tips for integrating plants into everyday office life
Integrating plants into everyday office life can be done in many different ways and requires careful planning. Here are concrete steps and measures on how plants can be effectively integrated into everyday work:
1. Plant selection according to office conditions: Start by carefully selecting plants that match the lighting conditions in the office. Also consider the care requirements and needs of the selected plants.
2. Personalize workspaces: Allow employees to personalize their own workspaces with indoor plants. This can be achieved by providing plants or encouraging employees to bring their own plants.
3. Design common areas with greenery: Create green oases in common areas by incorporating larger plants or even vertical gardens. These areas serve as meeting points for informal conversations and encourage social interactions.
4. Plants in meeting rooms: Place plants in meeting rooms to create a pleasant atmosphere and encourage creativity during meetings. Green accents can have a positive effect on communication.
5. Green break rooms: Design break rooms with a variety of plants to provide employees with a relaxing retreat. This helps reduce stress and promotes general well-being.
6. Plants as room dividers: Use plants as natural room dividers to structure areas in the office without compromising openness. This creates a pleasant balance between privacy and community.
7. Use care and water level indicators: Implement care and water level indicators to make plant care easier. These tools help employees keep track of the condition of the plants and understand their needs.
8. Soundproofing with plants: Place sound-absorbing plants in particularly noisy office environments. This will help reduce noise levels and create a quieter working atmosphere.
9. Integrate plants into office furnishings: Integrate plants into office furnishings, for example by decorating shelves or partitions with plants. This creates an aesthetic connection between the green element and the work environment.
10. Ongoing training and awareness:
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Organize workshops or training sessions to raise awareness among employees about the positive effects of plants and give them practical tips on how to care for them. Active participation by employees promotes the continuous integration of plants into everyday office life.
The successful integration of plants into everyday office life requires not just a one-time implementation, but continuous care and maintenance. By creating a green work environment, companies can sustainably improve the well-being of their employees while promoting a positive corporate culture.
