Gardening
Office plants are generally found to have a positive effect on employees and their productivity. When asked why do plants have an effect, experts generally believe it is psychological. The facts are that plants remove deadly carbon monoxide from the air, and expel needed oxygen. One might say that plants are a living breathing organism and no life could survive without them. The fact that humans could not survive in the world without plants is beyond dispute. This of course begs the question will one or two plants create a physical change in office workers. Will that change create more productivity?
University researchers in the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted studies that shed new light on a plant’s effect in the work place. Surrey University in the UK and Washington State University in the United States concluded that plants in the office could lower blood pressure and increase productivity. The studies were conducted using a control group without plants and a group with plants. Individuals completing complex tasks involving computers showed a 12 per cent quicker reaction time when plants were present. Employees working with plants present perceived an improvement in air quality. The air quality was not only perceived to have improved, but also showed a measurable improvement according to air quality tests. Employees in both groups were asked to fill out questionnaires every fortnight detailing how they felt. Headaches and fatigue decreased by 20 and 30 per cent respectively in the group with plants.
Obviously, studies are never entirely conclusive. Although, the facts are regardless of the reason worker productivity increased. The conclusion by many is there is no down side to having plants in the work place. Many employers feel that regardless of the reason plants are a necessary fixture in many workstations. Many companies encourage their employees to bring plants to work. Other factors must be taken into consideration, as well. Consequently, some employees will object to plants or are allergic to plants. Allergies are a significant concern for many individuals. Then there is the question of how many plants are too many. Many believe that if one plant is good several have to be better.
The university studies did not make mention of the number of plants. The type of plant was also not an apparent factor. Companies will have to balance the overall benefit to the company when deciding on a policy for office plants. The employees that object will have to be considered, as well as, anyone that may be allergic to plants. The type of plant allowed and will flowering plants be allowed are all questions that must be considered.
Employees working in windowless rooms seem to benefit the most from plants in the workplace. Obviously, there is a connection between a lack of windows and workplace stress and productivity. Plants seem to help overcome the effects of a windowless work environment.