We’re all aware of the benefits house plants can have on us and our homes – they’re uplifting, aesthetically pleasing, and mood-boosting, to name a few – so it only makes sense to bring them into our working spaces, too.
Whether you head to an office, a shop, a restaurant, or your spare bedroom, the right indoor plants can transform wherever you spend your working day and have a huge positive impact on the behaviour of you, your staff or your clients and customers.
You might have heard of biophilic design – in its simplest form, it means bringing the outside in. Cottoning on to the powerful impact plants have on our well-being and behaviour, biophilic design has become a buzzword concept in interior design in recent years, and for good reason. The word ‘biophilia’ literally means ‘love of nature,’ and biophilic design explores our innate attraction to the natural world. Essentially, it’s about connecting people and nature – and it can boost your health, well-being and even wealth in the process.
“There is no question that living and working in a green environment has a positive effect on our general health and well-being,” says biophilic designer Marianna Popejoy (thewoodenhill.blog). “Office environments that have incorporated indoor plants into their workspaces have seen a noticeable decrease in absence due to illness and even an increase in productivity.”
You read that correctly – you can beat procrastination with plants! Adding greenery to your workspace can increase productivity and creativity. This is because plants are proven to enhance focus – impressively, studies have shown that attentiveness is increased by 70 % when they are present in a room. Large and tall plants and air-purifying plants are also praised for their mood-boosting abilities. Research shows that employees who work in the presence of greenery tend to feel happier about their jobs, worry less, and even take fewer sick days (webmd.com).
Applying the principles of biophilic design to your work environment (i.e., adding more indoor plants) can also produce a calming effect on employees. A Japanese study suggested that merely looking at a plant is enough to improve mental health at work (hriherbalmedicine.co.uk). Further serene benefits include lower blood pressure and heart rate and a reduction of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Bringing the outside into a commercial workspace can bring huge benefits, too. Studies found that people find environments with plants less stressful, and rate shop comfort and product quality higher in stores with plants. The Journal of Forestry found that shoppers spent up to 12% more on goods and services when around plants – having indoor plants in your store can actually make you money! And if hospitality is your game, adding plants and flowers to the table puts diners in a more relaxed mood, meaning they enjoy their meals more (Wageningen University). Consumers are also more likely to travel further and stay longer in a retail or hospitality setting where plants are present – that’s food for thought!
So, where to begin? “A simple way to give the impression of being surrounded by plants and foliage, is to ensure that you can see plants at every level, from the ground up,” advises Mariana. She recommends placing some floor plants (at base level), adding a couple on a side table or shelves, and then hanging plants from the ceiling so that you can always see them in your line of sight, regardless of whether you’re standing or seated. “This will draw the eyes around the room to the various splashes of greenery and create the feeling of being immersed in nature,” says Marianna.
3 plants to add to your business today
This plant is as close as you’ll get to growing money on trees – the Money Tree is considered a symbol of luck, prosperity, and positive energy – with the good luck said to be interwoven in the twisted trunks. It’s perfect for adding height and interest to any working space and is one of the easiest large house plants to maintain. Did we mention it’s pet-friendly? Making it the perfect plant to be kept around office furry friends!
It’s easy to see why the Snake Plant is so popular – it’s incredibly easy to care for, and NASA rates it as one of the best air-purifying plants, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and carbon monoxide from the air. If your working space doesn’t have much natural light, don’t worry, as the Snake Plant is one of the most perfect plants for shade.
The Peace Lily is one of the most common house plants but it’s also the perfect deskside de-stresser. It is known for its calming properties, as the name would suggest, and according to the Chinese art of Feng Shui, it can also cleanse the energy of a room. Add in its incredible air-purifying qualities, and you’ve got the dream office plant.
Beards & Daisies can transform your workspace with expertly selected indoor plants, from stunning artificial plants to air-purifying plants, even pet-friendly plants for the office pups; we’re here to help! Whether you're searching for advice on common houseplants, need guidance on the best indoor plants for your business, or are ready to explore our full range of services, let’s create a space that inspires and thrives.
At Beards & Daisies, we offer a range of expert services to help you create the ultimate green haven. From sourcing live plants and artificial plants to designing stunning plant walls and implementing hydroculture solutions, we’ve got everything covered, including corporate gifting. We can even provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your space stays vibrant all year round.
Ready to transform your workspace? Whether you're looking to order some of the best indoor plants online, need expert advice, or want to use our hassle-free plant delivery London-wide, we’ve got you! Discover our full range of services or contact our business team today to bring your vision to life. Let’s create a workspace that thrives! 🌿