Plants make very special additions to workplaces.  Indoor plants help to create an aesthetically pleasing work environment and they may be useful for purifying the air indoors. Interestingly, recent research has shown that plants are capable of reducing stress and potentially increasing productivity in the workplace.

Research by NASA scientists has shown that a range of indoor plants are effective at removing quantities of chemical contaminants from the indoor air in addition to conditioning the air, balancing humidity levels and suppressing airborne microbes.

Latest research indicates that plants may have a profound effect on physical and mental wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, increasing our levels of tolerance for irritation and increasing reaction time, attentiveness and concentration.

Indoor plants can be added to personal workstation areas and placed around the workplace where people spend a lot of time, or in ‘time out’ areas.  Garden centres and plant hire companies can advise on easy care plants that are right for your workplace. Some good examples include: palms, peace lilies, ficus, dracaena and the boston fern. 

The Effect of Healthy Workplaces on the Well-being and Productivity of Office Workers 

Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment

Wolverton, B. C. (1999) How to grow fresh air; 50 Houseplants that purify your home or office. Penguin books, New York. 

Using pot plants to clean indoor air

Technical Nursery Paper (2004)