Making the decision to green the office environment is not just about visual appeal. Plants can improve air quality, reduce stress, boost productivity, and create a calming atmosphere. Several research studies have demonstrated that indoor plants can significantly improve office air quality, reducing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and absorbing indoor air pollution.
Many office environments are teeming with airborne pollutants and fine dust particles, originating from adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, synthetic building materials, office equipment, and poor ventilation. Indoor air pollution can cause illnesses and discomfort, significantly impacting productivity and morale. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is often two to five times dirtier than outdoor air, and in some cases, can be 100 times more polluted.
Indoor plants, however, can naturally improve indoor air quality, making it one of the most effortless and efficient ways to improve workplace wellness. Research conducted by NASA found that certain indoor plants can absorb up to 87 percent of indoor air pollutants in 24 hours.
How exactly do plants purify air? The primary method is through photosynthesis. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and harmful toxins from the air, then convert these elements into oxygen. They also improve humidity levels, which can be particularly beneficial in dry office environments.
There are numerous plants known for their ability to improve office air. The Peace Lily (spathiphyllum) is one such plant that is remarkably effective at reducing airborne toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Snake plant (sansevieria trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is known for its oxygen-producing capabilities, particularly at night, making it ideal for 24/7 working environments. English Ivy (hedera helix) is adept at reducing airborne faecal particles and filters out formaldehyde found in some office cleaning products.
Among other effective air-purifying plants are Spider Plant (chlorophytum comosum), known to absorb odours and can effectively remove harmful pollutants like xylene and benzene; Chinese Evergreen (aglaonema) that emits a high amount of oxygen and thrives in lower light conditions; Broad lady palm (rhapis excelsa), highly effective at cleansing the air of formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene and toluene.
When it comes to placement of these plants, it is recommended to have at least one plant per 100 square feet of office space. However, the more plants, the better the potential air quality, provided they are well maintained.
Regular maintenance of indoor plants is crucial. Poorly maintained plants can attract pests and create more problems than they solve. Therefore, assigning a staff member or hiring a professional to take care of the plants is key to ensuring their health and continued air-purifying capabilities. Also, consider the office light conditions while finalizing a spot. While some plants require plenty of natural light to thrive, others can grow well under fluorescent lights.
In order to receive maximum benefits, it is necessary to include a diverse variety of plants in an office. This is because each species of plant can remove certain toxins better than others. Therefore, to achieve the best results in air purification, a mix of different plant species should be used.
Moreover, encouraging employees to get involved in plant care can create a sense of shared responsibility, improving teamwork and creating a happier, more cooperative work environment.
Moreover, it’s also worth considering an innovative approach to incorporating plants in the office environment – green walls, also known as living walls. These wall structures have plant-growing media that provide ample air purification and can thrive in minimal light and care.
In conclusion, incorporating plants into office spaces not only adds natural beauty and brings a calming effect on the psyche but also dramatically improves indoor air quality. It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing way to create a healthier and more productive work environment. Despite the initial investment and the ongoing maintenance required, the benefits provided by these green wonders far outweigh the costs.
In today’s always-connected, often-stressful work life, bringing nature inside the office can certainly provide the much-needed respite and promote a sense of wellness among employees. Greening up the workplace environment could be an inspiring step towards sustainability and improved health and wellbeing for all employees.
