According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. For times when it’s impossible to get outside, indoor plants offer an easy, inexpensive way to bring the beauty of nature right into your office. In addition to the earthy atmosphere they create, plants provide a host of benefits for both employees and employers. Humanscale Office Setup Workstation

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should go green in the workplace:

Improved Mental State

Introducing plants to your office is an easy way to reduce stress and keep employees happy. Over a 3-month test period, New University of Technology Sydney (UTS) researchers found that staff who had plants in their office showed a 37% reduction in anxiety, a 58% reduction in depression, a 44% reduction in anger and hostility, and a 38% reduction in fatigue.

Increased Job Performance

As research shows, happy employees are productive employees. Dr. Virginia Lohr of Washington State University found that employees were less stressed and more productive when plants were present in their workspace.

Humanscale Work From Home Office Set Up Workstations

Photo from Jenn Boulware

Physical Benefits

Among their many ‘super powers,’ plants release more oxygen into the air, reduce excess carbon dioxide, absorb harmful pollutants, and stabilize humidity levels. With cleaner air to breath, employees are less likely to get sick and less likely to call out of work!

Which Plants are Best?

For low-maintenance plants that will thrive in your office, try these picks: plants collage
  1. Spider Plants
  2. Aloe
  3. Lemon Balm
  4. Cactus
  5. Peace Lily
  6. Snake Plants
Click here for more tips on how you can create a healthy, sustainable work environment!