The process of filling the workplace with trees and plants may seem a bit tedious or expensive, but before you dismiss the idea entirely, we’d love you to read the following six points below and then make up your mind on the subject. Also, with many offices being closed due to COVID-19 and the majority of workforces opting to work from home, the below can also be applied to your home office space. There have been multiple studies over the years that show by simply adding some greenery to your office, there are tremendous positive benefits for employees and organisations. Here are our top five reasons WHY you should consider purchasing trees and plants for your workplace.
- They help increase productivity
This is not a joke. Adding just one tree or plant per square metre improves memory retention and helps employees score higher on other tests, said researcher Dr Chris Knight. Who wouldn’t like to feel more productive? A 2015 human spaces report suggests that looking at nature or even just images of nature can shift the brain into a different processing mode, making employees feel more relaxed and concentration better.
- They help to reduce the noise level
Plants are able to reduce the effects of background noise. Positioning a series of larger trees in multiple locations in the corners of a room will soften the murmur of general office chatter and ambient noise.
- Trees and plants are responsible for filtering the air
We know this goes without saying, but it’s good to be reminded that plants absorb the gases we do not need, combine them with water and light to produce an energetic process called photosynthesis. In a nutshell, we as humans breathe oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, while plants breathe carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. Photosynthesis is thus the best source of the food we eat and the air we breathe.
- Plants and trees create an aesthetic environment to work in
We as humans are far more drawn to a workplace that has natural elements to it. We thrive in a space that feels comfortable, inviting and fresh.
- Trees and plants provide natural stress relief
A 2010 study found that employees experienced significant reductions in general stress levels when trees and plants were introduced to the workplace. By simply sitting looking at trees, one can experience a drop in the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
The benefits are truly endless. When choosing trees for your workplace, it is important to consider the restrictions that your space might have. Think about how much light is available, research how often your plants and trees will need to be watered, and best to maximise your green-budget. It is also worthwhile to check resources such as Facebook Marketplace to see what plants and trees are available ‘second-hand’ in your neighbourhood. Have you noticed any other benefits of having trees in your workplace? Let us know your experiences in the comments below.
At Just Trees, we have a fantastic variety of trees that are suitable for multiple environments. If you are a Landscape Architect or work in the green industry, click the link below to view our website and learn more about the way we work.
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