Greenery in our workspaces is often added as an afterthought, if at all. We assume that our offices should be purely productive, only featuring necessary furniture and equipment that we need to get the job done. But what if we could integrate planting seamlessly to enhance the structure of our spaces and improve productivity?
'Live photos' plant frames at Simon Kucher office
The benefits of plants in the workplace:
- Indoor plants are proven stress relievers. Research shows that exposure to living greenery and natural elements can lower cortisol levels, easing the mental load we often carry at work.
- They can replenish our attention capacity. Even a short visual break that includes natural elements can help reset focus and reduce fatigue.
- Greenery creates a more inviting, balanced environment. Plants soften harsh structures, bring warmth and colour, and support both concentration and creativity.
- They improve air quality. Many indoor plants filter pollutants, regulate humidity, and increase oxygen levels, contributing to a healthier workspace overall.
Office plants at Miro Office
Using plants to shape the workspace, not just decorate it
The benefits of plants for our health and wellbeing are one thing, but greenery can also play a surprisingly powerful role in the structure of an office.
Plants can act as subtle and flexible architectural tools. Instead of relying solely on walls or bulky furniture, planting can:
- Create gentle boundaries between different zones, such as collaborative areas and breakout areas.
- Introduce variation in height and texture to add layers of visual interest that make a space feel more dynamic.
- Guide movement through the office by naturally directing people flow. Tall planters, for example, can create pathways and guide colleagues through the space.
- Balancing modern interiors. Plants can be used to soften sharp edges or hard materials like glass, concrete and even bulky desk set-ups.
By thinking of plants as part of the spacial design, we open up the opportunity to build workspaces that feel more human, natural and support natural productivity.
Simple ways to integrate planting into your workspace
Bringing plants into the office doesn’t have to be complicated. A few thoughtful choices can make greenery naturally flow through your workspace.
- Start with resilient plants. Ficus Cyathistipula 'African fig tree', for example, is a great robust and low maintenance plant that thrives indoors.
- Create clustered planting, not just single pots. Grouping plants builds visual impact and creates pockets of calm.
- Vary heights. Mix tall floor-standing, wall-mounted , and smaller desk planting for greater depth of greenery.
- Integrate plants into furniture. Adding plants to shelving units and coffee tables, for example, is a simple way to enhance the existing structure of the space.
Planting up our workspaces is a simple yet effective way to improve our office environments. Creating relaxing and inviting environments can enhance productivity to deflect the often demanding stresses of the workplace.
