Why Biophilic Design is the Future for Modern Offices
by Eloïse Beytrison
According to government studies, modern individuals spend about 90% of their time indoors, venturing outside primarily for commuting or grocery shopping (Velux Skylights, 2018). This equates to around 21 hours and 36 minutes each day, or 328.5 days over the course of a year. While it is true one third can be attributed to sleep, the thought that the remaining 207 days are voluntarily spent largely confined within four walls is, frankly, unsettling! 🤯
However, numerous studies have emphasized the importance of being surrounded by nature and the subsequent benefits it offers. Indeed, the mere addition of plants in built spaces can improve performance, well-being, comfort and happiness (Stanborough, 2020). But then, how come do we not pamper ourselves with daily walks and pure air?
Given our hectic lifestyles, lack of energy and limited free time, it seems that the easiest way to experience the benefits of nature is to bring it to where we spend the majority of our time: our workplace...
How We Can Bring Nature Indoors
This thought process is far from new, and was already explored by scientists back in the 80s (and has continued to be researched up to this day). One of the most renowned theories in this area, and our reference point for this article is the theory of biophilia. If an overview of the theory is not enough and you want to delve deeper into this concept, you can explore our detailed post here.
The word “biophilia” comes from the Greek words βίος meaning “life”, and φιλία meaning “love (of)”, literally translating to “love of life”. Proposed by Edward O. Wilson in 1984 in his book “Biophilia”, the theory refers to the innate human need to connect with nature.
Indeed, throughout history, nature has been a profound source of inspiration, shaping art, design, architecture, and more. Most importantly, nature remains our primary provider of essential resources like food and water, and so far, there seems to be no one else able to step into her shoes.
Biophilic design can further be described with six elements, which are further then divided into about 70 attributes (Kellert, 2015). Herewith you can find an illustration with a small definition of the six principles of biophilia. However, if you want an extensive list of all the elements, we invite you to read this book. 🤓📗
Inspiration for the Biophilic Design in the Office
Why We Should Bring Nature Indoors
1
Enhanced Employer Attractiveness
Times are changing, and with them, personal requirements and priorities are evolving, making the search for the rare gem among job candidates a real headache. To attract premium talents, companies must present themselves as attractive employers.
Those that invest in green office design are perceived as progressive and innovative, appealing to potential hires drawn to modern, forward-thinking workplaces. This is particularly true for younger professionals, who increasingly prioritise sustainability, environmental responsibility and work-life balance in their career decisions. A green office design shows that the firm is not only taking measures to enhance its collaborators' health, but also that it is committed to reduce its environmental impact and aligns with broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Microsoft, A Pioneer In Employer Attractiveness
2
Boosting Employee's Productivity and Morale Through Green Office Spaces
Incorporating greenery into office spaces is one of the most effective ways to bring the direct experience of nature - central to the concept of biophilia - into the built environment. The benefits are countless and continuously being explored by academic researchers.
Various universities have conducted studies to investigate the impact of working in green offices on employee performance and well-being. Findings (University of Exeter, 2014) reveal that employees experience an average productivity boost of 15%, driven by factors such as improved focus, enhanced air quality, and higher levels of task engagement. This increase in productivity is closely tied to employees' deeper physical, mental, and emotional involvement in their work .
Additionally, another study (Gaekwad et al., 2022) highlights the positive effect of plants on workplace morale and well-being. The calming presence of greenery in the office environment has been shown to reduce stress levels, fostering a more pleasant working atmosphere.
Percentage of Collaborators Satisfied
with A Green Office Design
At Oxygen at Work, we value our clients' feedback! After each Greening project, we offer them the chance to share their thoughts on their new office environment—what they like, what could be improved, and if there is anything they dislike. Our survey, consisting of four questions, is designed to identify areas for improvement, whether in plant installation, maintenance, or communication. The percentage is based on feedback from 317 customers.
3
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Why Green Office Design Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
For many companies, high energy costs are a real mood breaker, often representing around 30% of total operating expenses (Wiley et al., 2008). Even more frustrating: these costs could be reduced pretty easily. But what if there was a simple, natural solution to reduce these expenses while also benefiting the environment?
Enter Green Office Design – specifically, the benefits of the use of plants 🫡
Reduction in CO2 Emissions
Plants are known to improve indoor air quality. For example, the photosynthesis helps to reduce CO2 levels! This natural filtration process is perfected by plants' ability to capture fine dusts and particles, and also contributes to lower emissions and a more sustainable business.
Improved Thermal Comfort
Plants help maintain humidity at comfortable levels (between 40-60%) and regulate office temperatures, promoting overall thermal comfort for your employees. For optimal conditions, all you need to do is open the window from time to time! For more details on managing humidity in the office, refer to this article.
Natural Insulators
During warmer months, plants help keep (absolute) temperatures down, while in colder seasons, they retain warmth, they thus act as natural insulators! This reduces the need for energy-intensive heating and air conditioning systems, leading to lower energy consumption and further shrinking a firm's carbon footprint.
Reduction in Noise Pollution
Green office design addresses another often-overlooked issue: noise pollution. While traditional soundproofing measures are available, many of them involve non-ecological materials and high costs. Plants, on the other hand, offer a natural and cost-effective alternative, absorbing sound and creating a quieter, more pleasant work environment.
We are Manuel, Rita and Joel, and we are committed to creating healthier workplaces.
We understand how difficult it can be to design an office that takes full advantage of biophilic design, as well as the time and expertise required to maintain it.
That is why we founded our company, Oxygen at Work, in 2017 - a company that promises to take care of your collaborators and your plants, offering you an all-inclusive service.
Despite our different backgrounds, we all share the same passion: a desire to help people. Whether physically or mentally, our goal is to make sure people feel comfortable in their workplace.
We look forward to supporting you with our expertise!
Would you like to get a personalised plant concept free of charge for your office?
At Oxygen At Work, we can help you. Here is why.
600+ Happy Clients
In 2024, with clients spread across Switzerland and Germany, we proudly surpassed the milestone of 600 customers.
1000+ Dashboard Users
In March 2024, we achieved the great milestone of more than 1000 users on our software, OxygenX.
7+ Years of Experience
Founded in 2017, our firm has gained experience and expertise over the years.
96% Satisfaction
Percentage of clients' collaborators delighted about the greening project.