Various benefits from incorporating plants into indoor environments have been highlighted by different research studies over the years. The first and most well-known study was conducted by NASA in 1989 and was used to demonstrate improvements in air quality. Other benefits such as helping to improve mental and physical health as well as enhancing workplace productivity have been investigated by both academic and industry research. Broadly speaking, the benefits of plants in the workplace can be grouped into the following categories.
1. Air quality improvements
Reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
The NASA Clean Air Study demonstrated that plants, such as the peace lily and spider plant can remove up to 87% of VOCs in a controlled environment over 24 hours.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction
Research from UTS highlighted plants’ ability to reduce CO2 levels in well-lit spaces, contributing to improved indoor air quality.
Humidity and Temperature Stabilisation
Plants help maintain comfortable humidity levels (30-60%) by releasing moisture through transpiration, making indoor spaces more comfortable and reducing respiratory irritation.
2. Performance enhancing
Boosted Cognitive Function
Research shows that improved air quality, facilitated by plants through oxygen production and toxin absorption, can significantly enhance cognitive performance. A study by Allen et al. (2016) in Environmental Health Perspectives found that better indoor air quality, achieved partly through natural elements, improved cognitive scores by up to 101% in some areas of decision-making and strategy.
Increased Focus and Task Accuracy:
Greenery helps employees concentrate and work more accurately, which is one of the most attractive benefits of plants in the workplace. A notable study from the University of Exeter (2014) demonstrated that adding plants to offices increased productivity by 15%. Employees reported feeling more focused and energised, leading to more efficient task execution.
Enhanced Engagement
The mere presence of plants creates a visually stimulating and pleasant workspace, which fosters greater engagement with tasks. Knight and Haslam's (2010) research published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied found that enriched environments with plants encouraged employees to work faster and more effectively while maintaining higher quality output.
3. Creativity boosting
Enhanced Idea Generation
Green spaces can boost divergent thinking, a key component of creativity. A study by Nieuwenhuis et al. (2014) found that employees surrounded by office plants demonstrated higher levels of idea generation compared to those in sparse environments. The presence of natural elements encourages a relaxed mental state, which is conducive to creative thought.
Stimulation of Creative Thinking:
The visual presence of greenery provides a sense of vitality and energy, inspiring more imaginative thinking. Knight and Haslam’s (2010) research published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied demonstrated that employees in environments enriched with plants and art produced more creative solutions to tasks.
4. Reduction in stress and anxiety
Lowered Cortisol Levels
Interacting with plants or being in their presence has been shown to reduce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. A study published in The Journal of Physiological Anthropology (Park et al., 2010) found that people working with plants experienced lower cortisol levels and reported feeling more relaxed compared to those working without natural elements.
Psychological Relaxation
Plants contribute to a sense of tranquillity, which helps mitigate anxiety. Bringslimark, Hartig, and Patil (2009) demonstrated that the presence of plants in indoor environments reduced perceived stress and created a more comforting atmosphere.
Distraction from Stressors
The natural aesthetics of plants act as micro-restorative elements, providing a soothing visual escape from workplace stressors. Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (1995) posits that natural features like plants engage the mind in a soft, effortless way, diverting attention from stress and helping individuals recover mental energy.
Improved Mood and Emotional Well-Being
The mere presence of greenery can enhance emotional states and reduce feelings of anxiety. A study by Lohr et al. (1996) showed that individuals working in plant-rich environments reported fewer negative emotions and greater overall satisfaction with their surroundings.
Conclusions
While the research is overwhelmingly positive, the benefits of plants in the workplace are not solely dependent on the mere presence of greenery. The quantity, variety, and health of plants play a crucial role in determining their potential impact.
A sparse or poorly maintained collection of plants may fail to provide the desired effects, and in some cases, may even have the opposite effect by contributing to a sense of neglect or discomfort. Additionally, the type of plant, its care requirements, and how well it is integrated into the workspace environment, such as lighting conditions and space available, can all influence outcomes.
Therefore, while incorporating office plants may enhance workplace well-being, their efficacy is contingent on careful selection, maintenance, and the overall quality of the plant environment.
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