It is said that Plants increase productivity But how much truth is there in this? Does having plants in our workplace or study really help us to perform better?
Let's see what science says about it and discover that plants have beneficial effects that we may be overlooking.
Do plants increase productivity?
The answer to this question is a resounding “yes.” In addition to beautifying workspaces, plants have a significant impact on our mental and physical health, which translates into an increase in productivity.
They do it in the following way:
Improved air quality
Plants are natural air purifiers. By performing photosynthesis they are responsible for absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which creates a cleaner, healthier environment.
This allows us to have a feeling of general well-being that favors concentration and, with it, our ability to work.
Stress reduction
Being in contact with nature is one of the best ways to quickly reduce our stress and anxiety levels. Although the ideal would be to spend more time outdoors, if we cannot do so, having plants around us can help.
Because rreduce cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. As it calms our nervous system, we are more relaxed and better able to work effectively.
increased creativity
Numerous studies have shown that being surrounded by greenery stimulates our creativity and our ability to solve problems.
In addition, Green has a relaxing effect on our eyesight. and promotes concentration.
Mood improvement
Having plants around us and spending some time taking care of them helps to improve our mood and reduce the feeling of loneliness. Because we are able to establish a certain emotional connection with them.
Our relationship with plants facilitates the release of chemical compounds that are beneficial for our well-being and, if we are in good spirits, coping with our obligations is a little easier.
The combination of all these factors we have seen leads to an increase in productivity that is easily verifiable. In fact, workers who provide services in places with plants report greater job satisfaction and are more efficient when facing their tasks.
A scientific evidence
That plants increase productivity is much more than a popular belief, it is evidence that has been scientifically proven.
One of the most relevant studies in this field was carried out some years ago by the Exeter University.
Researchers compared the performance of employees who worked in offices with and without plants, and concluded that those who worked in environments with plants had a productivity 15% higher than the rest.
According to experts, this is due to the air purification carried out by plants, which creates a healthier environment. But they also release a certain amount of humidity in the air, which also contributes to increasing the feeling of well-being.
Another reason why there is a connection between plants and increased productivity is the biophilia. The innate tendency of human beings to connect with nature. That is why we establish a certain emotional relationship with our plants and feel better in spaces where they are present.
How to care for plants in the office?
Given the positive aspects of having plants around us, it is a good idea to give them a leading role in our workplace. However, we must bear in mind that there is never too much time to take care of them, so it is advisable to keep in mind some precautions:
plant selection
- It is important to choose varieties that adapt to growing conditions. low light, because offices are usually spaces with little natural lighting.
- If space is limited, it is better to choose small varieties.
- You have to select specimens that are resistant against the most common pests and diseases and that require little care.
Location
- The ideal is to place the plants near a window, but do not expose them to direct sunlight.
- As far as possible, they should be prevented from being exposed to cold or hot air currents. For this reason, we are going to keep them away from the door and the air conditioning units.
- It's interesting rotate plants from time to time so that they receive light evenly throughout their body.
Irrigation
- The frequency of watering will depend on each plant and the season of the year in which we find ourselves. But it is always better water infrequently and in abundant quantities, because it is easier to solve a water deficiency than an excess.
Substratum
- The land has to be of good quality, which contains nutrients so that the plant can grow.
- You need to make sure that you have a good drainage capacity, to drain excess water from irrigation.
In the office we don't have as much time to take care of plants as we do at home, but it is essential to dedicate a few minutes each week to give them a little attention and check that they are healthy.
Plants increase productivity, which ones do we choose?
If you want to enjoy the benefits of having plants in your workplace or in your usual study space, you need beautiful species, with great air purification capacity, resistant and that do not require much care.
Here are some good options:
- Sansevieria or mother-in-law's tongue. It is one of the plants with the greatest capacity to purify the air. In addition, it is very resistant to drought and does not need much light to grow.
- Spathiphyllum or peace lily. As in the previous case, it also tolerates shade and purifies the air.
- Pothos. It is the quintessential indoor plant, it withstands practically everything and requires minimal care.
- Cactus and succulents. Like the previous ones, they are not demanding in terms of care and can survive in the hands of inexperienced gardeners.
- Zamioculcas. Although their growth is slow, they are extraordinarily resistant.
Now that you know that plants increase productivity, you have the perfect excuse to incorporate them into your workplace. Are you up for it?