Integrating office plants goes far beyond mere aesthetics and offers a multitude of benefits that can directly impact the work atmosphere, performance, and employee morale. Selecting the right plants for the office space plays a crucial role.
Why you need plants for the office
Creating a healthy working environment
Many plants suitable for offices, such as the Philodendron , have air-purifying properties. They are not only visually appealing but also improve the indoor climate by filtering pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Some plants can also reduce noise in the office, which is particularly beneficial in open-plan offices. This contributes to a healthy, pleasant atmosphere in the office and can have a positive effect on the general well-being of employees.
Successful implementations at companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft show that the targeted placement of office plants not only on the desk, but also in common areas and courtyards, leads to a natural and conducive working environment.
Promoting concentration and creativity
According to numerous studies, the integration of office plants has a demonstrable impact on employee productivity. For example, studies from the University of Exeter and Texas A&M University show that plants can increase productivity by up to 15% and significantly boost creativity. This can be attributed, among other things, to improved air quality, higher humidity and the calming and stimulus-regulating effect of natural elements in the room.
Selection criteria for office plants
Choosing the right plants for the office requires considering various criteria such as lighting conditions, maintenance requirements, and, of course, the appearance of the green decorative elements to ensure effective integration into the office ambiance. Here are some important factors that can be important when selecting plants for the office:
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Location & Space Requirements: Where in the office should the plants be placed? Compact plants are suitable for desks, while XXL floor plants can effectively fill large spaces or serve as natural room dividers. Open-plan offices, in particular, can be structured through the targeted placement of plants to define areas and create privacy.
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Lighting conditions: When choosing suitable office plants, the lighting conditions at the location should be taken into account. Some plants require a lot of sunlight, while others thrive in low light—the choice should be adjusted accordingly.
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Water requirements : While some plants require regular watering, others can cope well with extended dry periods—a benefit when the office is occasionally unoccupied. A water level indicator can help keep track and avoid watering mistakes.
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Maintenance effort: Consider the amount of maintenance employees can realistically handle. Low-maintenance plants are particularly suitable for offices where regular maintenance isn't guaranteed.
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Vacation care: Consider how easy it is to care for your plants while you're away, especially during vacation. Plants that can handle short-term neglect offer an effective solution for a carefree approach.
Examples of suitable office plants
Not every houseplant is automatically suited to everyday office life. Robust varieties that can cope well with changing conditions and require little maintenance have proven particularly effective. Here's a selection of low-maintenance office plants:
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Sansevieria (Snake Plant): Very hardy, requires little light and water. Ideal for low-maintenance locations.
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Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lucky Bamboo): Copes well with drought and shade, grows slowly and is extremely robust.
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Spathiphyllum (peace lily): Air-purifying, undemanding and flowering profusely, even in indirect light.
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Philodendron: undemanding and decorative, requires only indirect light and occasional water.
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Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant): Easy to care for, air-purifying, and versatile.
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Succulents & Cacti: Ideal for sunny window spots, with very low water requirements – well suited for irregular care.
Tips for integrating plants into everyday office life
The purchase of plants in the office should be tailored to the spatial and organizational circumstances. The following measures will help integrate plants into everyday work in a functional and meaningful way.
Diverse options for office greening
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Jobs : Employees can personalize their workspaces, for example, by providing plants or by bringing their own. This strengthens their personal connection to the workplace and creates a more pleasant working environment.
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Common areas : Plants can also be used strategically outside of individual workstations. Larger plants or vertical gardens visually enhance common areas and promote social interaction in the office.
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Break rooms : Green break rooms serve as a place of retreat and support relaxation – an effective contribution to stress reduction.
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Meeting rooms: In meeting rooms, strategically placed plants can also positively influence the atmosphere. They create a sense of calm, promote concentration, and stimulate creative thought processes.
Use tools for plants
In offices where no one can regularly care for the plants, simple tools make managing office plants much easier. Water level indicators or moisture meters , for example, reliably indicate when watering is needed and help prevent over- or under-watering. Especially in offices with changing attendance or shared responsibilities, such tools ensure that plant care remains uncomplicated and reliable – even without a green thumb.
Care responsibility and employee involvement
The successful integration of plants into the office is not a one-time measure, but requires ongoing care. Employees should therefore not only be informed about basic care measures, but also actively involved. Brief instructions or assigned responsibilities help embed care into everyday work. Additional motivation is created when the team can participate in the selection of office plants right from the start – so that everyone can enjoy the plants in the office for the long term.
