Bring the Outside In - A Guide to the Use of Plants in the Workplace

Today's office environment creates many challenges for employers and employees alike. Critical to the success of a building or office is its impact on people. Many design features affect the actions and reactions of the people in those offices. Sealed energy efficient buildings can adversely affect air quality that can cause fatigue, headaches, respiratory problems and dry skin. "Bringing the outside in" can provide a simple and economical solution to these problems.

• Plants remove toxins from the air. These toxins come from a variety of sources, some obvious and some not so obvious. Paint, cleaning chemicals, electronic devices such as printers and copiers and building materials are just a few. The results for workers are not unlike a cold or flu: headaches, runny noses, sneezing and coughing. The answer comes from NASA research that proved plants remove many of these toxins from the air, promoting a healthier and more productive workplace.

• The research findings recommended using at least one plant per 285 square feet; using different varieties, especially leafy plants with more surface area and, if possible, provide a plant within each employee's "breathing space".

• Plants have also been shown to relieve stress. Research carried out by Surrey University showed that plants helped to create a more relaxed atmosphere and eventually led to a 60 percent drop in absenteeism. In other tests, carried out by Washington State University, those people with a plant on their desk showed 12 percent faster reactions and their stress levels were reduced dramatically.

• A well-designed interior plantscape enhances the look and feel of your organization. Visitors sense and interpret a "complete" look when plants are part of the décor. It says you look after the important details and want to create a welcoming experience for the visitor and employees.

Where to start?

The best way to begin is to bring in an expert who can survey your facility and draw up a proposal based on many factors. The two most obvious are design and budget.

Design is a broad term that combines your aesthetic values with the surroundings and visual opportunities. What kind of light exists, what type of plants in what kind of decorative containers should be implemented and how will they complement your décor are just a few of the questions that need to be answered.

Budget seems obvious but there are a few options. How many plants? Where should they be located and how will this affect maintenance costs? Should you choose modest or high-end containers? Your plantscape professional will guide you through this process and help you make the best choices.

No matter how you measure it, a well-designed interior plantscape pays important dividends over time.