Biophilia: The Facts

Reduced Sick Days

Office plants can improve employee health and help reduce absenteeism.

One of the most immediate benefits of introducing plants into the workplace is improved well-being, which can contribute to fewer sick days. Plants can help improve indoor air quality by filtering certain toxins and increasing humidity, creating a more comfortable environment.

In offices with poor ventilation, employees may be more susceptible to sick building syndrome—a recognised condition linked to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and flu-like effects.

While plants alone cannot solve all ventilation or air quality issues, they can play a supportive role. Popular low-maintenance office plants such as peace lilies, devil’s ivy (pothos), and spider plants are often recommended for their air-purifying qualities and ability to improve the feel of indoor spaces.

Increased Productivity

Office plants can contribute to higher productivity levels.

Research suggests that work environments with no natural elements or décor may negatively affect employee well-being. Studies in environmental psychology indicate that introducing plants into office spaces can improve focus and performance.

In fact, some long-term studies have found productivity increases of up to 15% in environments enriched with plants and natural décor.

The reason is simple: when employees feel more connected to their surroundings, they tend to feel more engaged, focused, and efficient in their work.

Boosted Creativity

Plants can help stimulate creative thinking.

If you’re stuck on a problem or lacking inspiration, introducing natural elements into your workspace may help. Colour, texture, and even subtle natural scents can stimulate the senses, which in turn can support creative thinking and idea generation.

Taking a moment to engage with natural surroundings—literally “smelling the flowers”—can help reset attention and encourage fresh perspectives.

Reduced Stress

Plants can help create a calmer, healthier work environment.

Even in enjoyable workplaces, stress is unavoidable. However, studies show that incorporating plants into office spaces can significantly reduce stress-related symptoms.

Reported benefits include:

• 37% reduction in anxiety
• 44% reduction in workplace hostility
• Nearly 40% reduction in chronic fatigue
• 58% reduction in reported depression

The colour green is also widely associated with calmness and relaxation, which may contribute to these effects.

*This is based on established findings in workplace wellness research and environmental psychology.