How Does Biophilic Design Benefit Your Employees? | Is there anything more tranquil than lazing about on a beach listening to the tide lap against the shore or taking a deep breath as you walk through a forest, inhaling the scent of fresh pine? Unfortunately, as most Americans spend 90% of their lives cooped up inside, the only way many of us can obtain these feelings of freedom and contentment, necessary to our health and happiness, is through daydreaming as we stare into our computer screens.
Biophilia, a term first coined in 1984 by Edward O. Wilson, a biologist nicknamed the “Darwin of the 21st century,” is a theory that suggests every human being is born with an innate desire to connect with nature, and it’s an idea that’s rapidly gaining popularity in the business world. While in the past, plants were considered too time-consuming and high-maintenance for office decor, now, companies, both large and small, are adding more and more natural elements into their interior schemes and seeing many fascinating benefits in return. Here are just three reasons biophilic design can help your employees and your business prosper.
Better Air Quality Resulting in Less Absenteeism
We all learned at school that plants absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. But what many people don’t realize is that flourishing greenery also removes VOCs (volatile organic compounds), chemicals found in many domestic cleaning products and emitted from electronics. VOCs clear the air of toxins, pollutants, and airborne microbes, like bacteria and mold spores.
Plants also release moisture back into the atmosphere, helping to increase humidity levels and prevent the air from drying out, which can irritate the sensitive membranes in the nose and throat. This, in turn, makes staff more susceptible to colds, allergies, and respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Not only does this protect your employee’s health, but it also reduces the number of sick days, saving your business money in the long run.
Happier and More Productive Employees
You might see wellbeing as nothing more than a hashtag that appears under Instagram pictures of enlightened millennials and self-help gurus — but ensuring your teams are cared for, both physically and psychologically, plays a vital role in your business’s performance.
Making your office a more pleasant environment to work in using organic materials, floral motifs, and lush foliage is a great way to start boosting morale. A ten-year study conducted by the University of Exeter found that productivity increased by 15% in workplaces that featured indoor plants. Other research has shown they also reduce stress, anxiety, and anger and encourage people to think more creatively.
A few of the best plants for office interiors include succulents as they’re incredibly fuss-free and don’t require frequent watering, lemon balm for the soothing fragrance it releases, and bamboo for its air-purifying qualities. And don’t forget about their containers! Pots, Planters and More offer an extensive collection of indoor planters made from high-quality fiberglass, which is exceptionally light and maneuverable. It is also highly resistant to wear and tear and comes in many styles, colors, and finishes — perfect for matching them to your brand’s aesthetic.
Attract and Retain Top Talent
First impressions matter, and if a potential recruit or new client walks into a gray, drab, and unkempt office, they’re likely to walk straight back out again. Using decorative planters bursting with vibrant botanicals to border different seating areas, highlight an entranceway or bring life to a meeting room shows that you care and you’re on board with the latest trends. Plus, creating a workplace that people enjoy spending time in means that you’ll have to deal with fewer employees clocking off early or looking for job opportunities elsewhere in the worst-case scenario.
WorldExecutivesDigest.com | How Does Biophilic Design Benefit Your Employees?
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels
