When it comes to creating a workplace environment that promotes health and productivity, many companies focus on aspects such as temperature regulation, natural light, and furniture that is ergonomically designed. On the other hand, the presence of indoor plants is a component of biophilic office design that is often neglected. Not only may they provide the appearance that the office is naturally elegant, but they also make a substantial contribution to the level of air quality inside the building in which they are located.
In this article, we will discuss the scientific rationale behind how office plants improve air quality levels, as well as the positive effects that plants can have on our health and well-being while we are at work.
Dear reader, if your interests lie deeper into how plants can help the mental health of your colleagues, please read about it here.
1. Natural Air Purification: The Green Lungs of our Earth
The process of photosynthesis is one of the primary ways in which plants contribute to the preservation of a healthy atmosphere by regulating the proportions of various gases. Plants are able to convert the light energy they get from the sun into the chemical energy they need to grow and maintain their lives. During this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and expel oxygen (O2) as a byproduct. This procedure is not only necessary for the continued existence of plants, but it can also contribute to the improvement of air quality at work, or as employees would say, "make the air less stuffy."
2. Getting Rid of Harmful Indoor Air Pollution: The Role of Plants
According to a study by NASA, common office plants such as the snake plant, spider plant, and many more were revealed to be highly efficient in removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. These pollutants in the indoor air are commonly found in commercial office buildings, and it is well-recognized that they have a negative influence on human health. They are known to cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and problems with our respiratory systems. One plant for every one hundred square feet of area is all that is required, in accordance with the conclusions of the study, to detect a measurable improvement in the air quality inside an office setting.
However, it is crucial to bear in mind that the impact of eliminating pollutants varies depending on the type of soil that was used and the total leaf area of the plant. This is something that you should always keep in mind. For instance, soil that is rich in organic matter can boost the plant's ability to remove pollutants, and having a larger leaf area can also result in a greater capacity for pollutant removal on the plant's part (cf. Study on the role of Plant-Microbe). Because different plants are better at removing different types of pollutants from the air, it is essential to take into account both the nature of the pollutant and the extent to which it is present in the atmosphere. Increasing the number of plants in your working environment may, in general, be an effective strategy for improving the quality of the air you breathe and preserving your health.
3. The Use of Office Plants to Increase Relative Humidity
In addition to cleaning the air indoors, plants also have the ability to add moisture to the surrounding environment. Stomata are the pores or holes that may be seen on the underside of leaves. They are responsible for the natural process known as transpiration, in which plants release water vapour into the air. When water vapour is released (more about how outdoor vapor influences indoors) into the atmosphere, it raises the humidity levels in the air around it, which in turn makes it easier for living species like people and animals to breathe. How do we know that? Our air quality detectors constantly track indoor air quality in open office spaces in Switzerland and Germany to deliver precise analytical data that we describe for you each month in our Office Air Quality Insights article.
According to recent research findings published in the International Journal of Indoor Environment and Health, it is typical for the humidity levels in office environments to be lower than recommended, especially during the heating season. This may result in a variety of health issues for the individual. Dry skin, itchy eyes, and respiratory troubles such as a dry throat and nasal passages are all potential side effects of a lack of humidity. Asthma and allergy sufferers who are already experiencing symptoms may even see a worsening of their conditions in case humidity is low.
In order to mitigate the risk of the above-mentioned sick building syndrome symptoms and promote human comfort and health indoors, research suggests to keep the humidity level between 40 and 60 percent.
Plants can help to increase the humidity level and hence contribute to the comfort and health of office occupants. A higher humidity level makes it is easier to breathe and there is a reduced risk of respiratory difficulties. This is because high humidity levels can minimise the quantity of dust and allergens in the air. In addition, office air with higher levels of humidity can help prevent the proliferation of pathogens like viruses and bacteria, making it a cleaner and more hygienic place to be. This occurs as a result of the fact that humid conditions allow the virus droplets to fall to the floor at a faster rate (source).
4. The Benefits of Plants on Employees Health
There is a correlation between having plants in the workplace and improved air quality, which leads to a range of health benefits for those working there. For example, a research that was carried out by the University of Exeter found that office workers who had plants in their work environment reported experiencing 15% less symptoms of sick building syndrome. Headaches, dry skin, and a general sense of exhaustion are among these symptoms.
It was discovered that participants had a calming effect from the presence of indoor plants, which also enhanced their capacity to focus on tasks at hand. The outcomes of the study indicated that individuals who were in a setting that had office plants had a rate of creative output that was thirteen percent higher and a rate of productive output that was fifteen percent higher. An internal study by Oxygen at Work, in which over 300 employees of customers were surveyed, confirms this perception. Given this, the possibility that the presence of indoor plants in the office may contribute to enhanced mental and physical health should not come as much of a surprise to anybody.
5. How Can I Make Sense of Office Greening?
Now that we've examined the wonderful impacts that office plants can have on the air quality and health of individuals who are exposed to them, you might be asking how you can include office plants in your work environment. To get you started, here are some things to keep in mind to get you going:
Choose indoor plants that are effective at removing pollutants from the air.
Place plants in areas where they will receive enough light, e.g. near windows.
Consider getting a variety of plants to create a more diverse ecosystem, for example, a green wall, where different plants coexist with each other.
Keep plants well-watered and fertilized to ensure they are healthy and able to perform their air-cleaning duties.
6. Our Service Offer: Tailored Plant Concepts
To take this a step further, Oxygen at Work offers an individualized approach by conducting an analysis of the office ecosystem as well as the requirements of the customer in order to produce a customized plant concept that is then made available via a subscription model. This enables Oxygen at Work to provide recommendations for the plants that are best suited for your business, as well as ensure their proper placement and upkeep for maximum effectiveness. In addition, customers get the chance to monitor the indoor good air quality through the utilization of a proprietary web application that provides air quality data.
7. Conclusion
Having plants in the office can be an effective means of enhancing the quality of the air and fostering a healthy working environment. Not only do they raise the humidity levels and reduce the amounts of toxins in the air, but they also have a great impact on our emotional and physical well-being. You and your co-workers will benefit from a more productive and healthier environment if you bring office plants into your workspace.
However, according to a 2007 NASA study, it is important to choose an active implementation that combines the greening concept with mechanical fans and/or the use of soil and plant microbiomes. As a result, the air purification rate is 200 times higher compared to a passive implementation.
Oxygen at Work can eliminate the uncertainty of selecting and maintaining the correct plants for your office. Also, Oxygen at Work can provide you with the added convenience of monitoring the quality of the air inside your building. Making an investment in office plants is a simple yet effective method to improve the overall health and productivity of your workplace environment.
8. FAQ
Do indoor plants have an impact on air quality in the office?
Yes, indoor plants can have a significant impact on air quality in the office by removing indoor pollutants and expelling oxygen. Additionally, they can contribute to higher humidity levels, which can reduce the spread of pathogens like viruses and bacteria and promote healthier indoor air quality.
Can indoor plants really boost productivity and creativity?
Yes, studies have shown that the presence of indoor plants can have a positive impact on employee productivity and creativity. In one study by the University of Exeter, participants in a workspace with indoor plants reported experiencing 15% fewer symptoms of sick building syndrome and had a higher rate of creative and productive output.
How do indoor plants improve humidity levels in the office?
Indoor plants can naturally add moisture to the air by releasing water vapor through stomata on their leaves. This can raise the humidity levels in the air around them, which in turn makes it easier for people to breathe and can reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
How do I choose the right indoor plants for my office?
When choosing indoor plants for your office, it's important to consider factors such as the size and light requirements of your space, as well as the type of pollutants you want to eliminate. Consulting with an expert or using a service like Oxygen at Work can also help you select and maintain the right plants for your specific needs.
What are the benefits of using a service like Oxygen at Work for office greening?
Oxygen at Work offers an individualized approach to office greening, with custom plant concepts tailored to your specific office ecosystem and requirements. The subscription-based service takes care of plant selection, placement, and upkeep, and also provides a web application for monitoring indoor air quality. This can save time and effort, and ensure maximum effectiveness of your indoor plants for improving air quality and promoting health and productivity.
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