Adding plants adds real value to your property and your benefits package.

A simple green space can add as much to the bottom line as a major cost-cutting move can.

How greenery can save you a lot of green!

Productivity. Plants have been shown to enhance productivity by 12% while reducing the mounting problem of workplace stress. Additionally, plants can reduce busy office noise, lessening the frequency of workplace distractions.

Employee retention. Studies from Oxford University indicate that plants have positive effects on employee perceptions and dispositions, which may lead to increased employee retention.

Cleaner air, healthier environment. Plant-filled rooms contain 50% to 60% fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without plants. By cleaning workplace air, plants can significantly reduce sick leave expenses.

Improved corporate image. While indoor plants cost less than most alternative corporate decorating choices, they offer a guarantee of positively enhancing perception and corporate image.

Until recently, we lacked the research necessary to clearly demonstrate the economics between plants, employees and bottom line corporate America. However, we now have access to data that is shifting the way businesses think about plants in the workplace.

Interior plants can reduce stress and cut down on distractions due to office noise.

In a study conducted by Dr. Virginia Lohr of Washington State University, emotional states, pulses and blood pressure readings were measured as participants reacted to randomized computer symbols. Plants present and plants not present were the only variables that study participants experienced.

The study findings indicated that participants in the presence of plants were less stressed and reacted 12% more quickly to computer symbols than those in the absence of plants.

Studies from Oxford University have also shown that plants absorb noise in busy office environments. By cutting down on the audible elements of a busy office, plants can reduce employee distractions. This may result in increased productivity.

Less stress and cleaner air reduce employee down time.

Interior plants can boost comfort levels and reduce O&M costs.

According to a study out of Washington State University, plants release moisture in an office environment, creating a humidity level matching the recommended human comfort range of 30% to 60%. A comfortable office environment is more conducive to productivity.

In addition, when office air humidity falls below the recommended range, materials such as wood can become cracked. When office air humidity exceeds the recommended range, condensation on windows and exterior walls can cause structural damage. By keeping office air humidity levels within proper comfort range, interior plants can help avoid costly repairs.

Interior plants attract and retain selective employees

Data from surveys conducted by Unifi Network of Westport, Conn. Indicates that in order to attract and retain top employees, workplaces must include aspects of what inspires those employees during their off time. Recent Gallop polls indicate that two-thirds of the American work force cite gardening as their favorite off-time hobby. It logically follows, then, that plants should be included in the workplace.
Studies indicate that plants in the workplace may increase employee retention.

Outstanding interior landscaping services.

By outsourcing interior landscaping services, key staff and management are able to focus more completely on tasks specific to company goals. Many in-house staffs are spread so thin that they become unable to apply professional standards to their property. As a result, appearance and property value begin to suffer.

Through outsourcing, the visual and bottom-line advantages of your property can be raised significantly.

If you are interested in putting plants to work in your office setting, we can help. Our comprehensive interior landscaping services include the design, installation and maintenance of a wide variety of live plants, and our professional staff is ready to help you find the best solutions for your particular needs. Give us a call today.

Interior plants contribute to a positive image

Studies out of England’s Oxford Brookes University conclude that employees perceive buildings with interior plants as more expensive-looking, more welcoming and more relaxed. Employees with positive perceptions of their workplace are less likely to seek employment elsewhere.

Positive perceptions increased at companies that added green space to their office interiors.

Interior plants cut down on sick leave expenses.

Common but dangerous micro-organisms and toxins can become concentrated in sealed, energy-efficient office environments. In fact, research published by Bio-Safe Incorporated confirms that energy-efficient office structures are often 10 times more polluted than the air outside.

Lacking an appropriate exchange of fresh outdoor air for stale indoor air, sealed office environments can lead to a marked increase in employee illnesses from poor indoor air quality. However, research has shown that plant-filled rooms contain 50% to 60% fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without plants. By absorbing office pollutants into their leaves and emitting clean oxygen, interior plants can cut down on sick leave expenses considerably.

Closing Thoughts

The benefits of plants in the workplace far out-weigh the costs associated with maintaining them. No longer just a pretty face, plants are now hard at work in offices through-out America.

Contact us today to learn more about putting plants to work in your office environment. Your employees, and your bottom line, will be glad you did.