Plants in the office really help workers to flourish. Greenery in the workplace is sure to increase production rates; it softens the stark edges of office dividers and introduces precious yang life into the yin stillness of neutral-coloured layouts. Even psychologists are putting their weight behind introducing greenery to clinical workplaces, on the basis that workers become happier and more relaxed, which in turn leads to better productivity. It is not surprising then that many global companies are now bringing Nature into the workplace, adding vibrant life to the robotic stillness of computers and other office equipment.
The Journal of Experimental Psychology recently reported that researchers from Cardiff University’s Psychology Department scientifically monitored two large commercial offices in the United Kingdom and in Holland, and found that after plants were brought into the workplace, the overall productivity of both offices improved by 15 per cent over a three-month time period.
The increased productivity may have been due to improvements in staff concentration arising from the oxygen released from the plants and absorbing the carbon dioxide in the air. Plants have always been an excellent complementing agent to human beings in that they enhance the air quality for humans just by being present. When concentration improves, the mind works better, and clarity of thinking also improves.
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
Another reason may be that plant foliage also absorbs pollutants, dust and bugs from the air. Thus while enhancing the aesthetics and visuals of the office, healthy growing plants also aid in the reduction of stress levels. With more oxygen and a better visual environment, employees are less likely to fall ill. Their immune systems get strengthened and there are also higher levels of harmonious interface amongst the staff.
Recent scientific studies are showing that adding green plants to workplace scenarios can increase staff productivity by as much as a measurable 15%. This is fabulous news to feng shui advocates who have often recommended that adding plants to the workplace is extremely beneficial. To them, plants signify the WOOD element, which is the only one of the 5 elements that brings growth energy. It is a valuable natural feng shui enhancer.
Indeed, simply enriching previously austere looking office rooms by bringing in a few potted plants and introducing some beautiful-looking foliage is such an easy way to enrich work environments, it is surprising why not more office managers think of doing it.
In recent years, both environmental and feng shui consultants have strongly advocated that office environments should introduce landscaping into office design. They are recommending that healthy growing plants should be included into office maintenance budgets. More Universities are now also undertaking this kind of research into productivity in offices and work environments.
Scientists believe that plant biology improves the well-being of humans sharing plant space. Separate research has found that foliage absorbs air-borne pollutants, filtering away dust and bugs and improving air quality. Other studies have also discovered that a high number of potted plants in the office reduces the number of sick days taken by staff. The most persuasive theory is that people simply work better in more pleasant surroundings.
Indeed, simply enriching previously austere looking office rooms by bringing in a few potted plants and introducing some beautiful-looking foliage is such an easy way to enrich work environments, it is surprising why not more office managers think of doing it.
FENG SHUI FACTOR
Feng shui-wise, plants add wealth and growth energies. The best corners to have plants are in the East and Southeast sectors, which are traditionally considered Wood-element sectors. The East benefits the health luck of the space when there are lots of well-maintained plants placed there.
The Southeast of any office signifies the asset wealth of the space, and when there are healthy plants there, the investment value of the company is sure to grow steadily thereby benefitting owners and staff alike.
Plants also benefit the office when placed in the South, which is a Fire element sector. Here, the Wood energy of plants will enhance the Fire element of the sector, bringing the company a good solid reputation amongst its financial backers as well as its customers.
Plants also do well as space dividers for workers when they are sitting or facing either East or Southeast. The strengthening of the Wood element of the direction vis a vis the worker this way brings him/her excellent work luck. Using plants as dividers is a very easy yet subtle way of directly improving the feng shui luck of workers, which of course also enhances the company’s wellbeing.
Feng shui-wise, plants add wealth and growth energies. The best corners to have plants are in the East and Southeast sectors, which are traditionally considered Wood-element sectors.
COSMIC BENEFITS
Plants are an excellent way of ensuring harmony in the work space. They are efficient at absorbing the negativities caused by angst and stress, so they are natural cleansers of the cosmic wellbeing of space. It is important only to remember to maintain the health of your office plants by ensuring there is adequate light and water. Take them out into the natural sunlight as often as you can, and be mindful not to over or under-water your plants. Plant foods may also be given fortnightly. Remember that a sickly plant or the presence of withered leaves is a great deal worse than having no plants at all. A good way of ensuring that there are only healthy plants in the office is to have them professionally-maintained.
