LOOK TO INDOOR PLANTS FOR A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE
by on Jul.21, 2010, under Uncategorized
If you’re stressing out at work and can’t function at your peak, don’t see red – go green instead.
Indoor plants have been shown to lower stress levels and improve productivity – what a simple, effective way of improving your working environment, feeling great and lifting your outputs at the same time!
Research by Washington State University on participants who were doing a slightly stressful task on the computer concluded that after adding interior plants to the lab, the participants’ blood pressure was lower and they improved their reaction time to the task by 12%. Now doesn’t that sound like the easiest way possible to get ahead!
The positive effect that indoor plants have on the workplace is further evidenced by studies from the UK, USA, Netherlands and Australia which found that they reduce the incidence of absenteeism, boost productivity and improve employees’ general wellbeing. Greenery is a very simple and most effective way of making a positive impact on the work environment.
Further research also showed the health benefits of having interior plants in enclosed environments. Plants have been shown to reduce noise, cool down the air around them and improve air quality – so if a work colleague is a little malodorous, why not clear the air with a fragrant indoor plant ?. On a larger scale, companies wanting to get a competitive edge would do well to investigate the power of flowers. Many organisations invest heavily in strategies and interventions to boost productivity, but it’s often the simplest solutions that have the biggest impact. Savvy organisations wanting to be part of the green revolution should be talking to their local plant providers or florist for cost-effective solutions, say Perth gifts specialist, Angel Flowers.
Both men and women perform substantially better in office environments that include flowers and plants, according to lengthy research by a university in Texas. When working in an environment where they were surrounded by flowers and plants, the females came up with more flexible and creative solutions to problems, while the males came up with more actual ideas.
Some of the best plant varieties that thrive in indoor environments are maidenhair ferns, peace lilies, yuccas, bamboo palms, African violets, mother in-law’s tongue, aspidistra, ponytail palms, bromeliads and ficus. Other factors to consider are lighting (low or bright light), indirect sun light, dryness etc so it’s worth consulting a professional florist for the best suggestions.
Just as Mother Nature provides inspiration and well being outdoors, the same is true for our interior spaces. With scientific studies providing that the presence of plants improves workplace productivity, reduces stress levels and absenteeism, improves air quality and noise pollution – we shouldn’t ‘leaf’ it any longer to go green, say Perth online florist, Angel Flowers
