The Benefits of Plants
eFIG continually strives to raise awareness of the benefits of plants. Research has found that plants can benefit businesses and their workforce in a variety of ways, from better health, more productivity, and even financial savings. Just one plant is all you need to make a difference.
Bring the Outdoors In!
Having plants indoors brings a real sense of the inside and outside merging, creating a more relaxed and comfortable working environment. Research has shown that employees working in a space which looks and feels good feel more appreciated by their superiors who have created that environment for them.
To see more examples, click here.
Productive Staff
Research has established that plants have a calming effect, particularly for those sat behind a computer screen for more than 4 hours a day. The effect of this is greater concentration and increased productivity, raising efficiency by as much as 12%.
Reduced Absenteeism
Studies have shown that interior planting can reduce the effects of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Office buildings often lack ventilation from the outdoors, and seldom have natural light and nice views. A good interior planting scheme can improve the environment, and research has proved that complaints of minor ailments, often linked to Sick Building Syndrome (ie headaches, blocked sinuses, dry throats, coughing and skin irritations), decrease by an average of 25% when there is interior planting present.
Cleaner Indoor Air
Plants absorb toxins (VOC emissions) through their leaves and their growing medium and emit oxygen for us to breathe. They help to rid the air of toxins produced by common office equipment such as computers, printers, telephones and carpet fibres. This make the workplace a nicer place to be for everyone, including the workforce and any customers who stop by.
To find out more about this, click on the articles below:
How plants clean the air: Polluted air
How do plants clean the air?
What are VOCs?
How many plants does it take to clean the air?
Sick Building Syndrome
Which plants work best to clean the air?
Our long-standing relationship with plants
Plants - our perfect partners
Happier People
Plants make us feel happier and more content with life and work generally.
Greener Offices make happier employees
Improved Humidity
Plants return well over 90% of all the water we give them back into the atmosphere, raising humidity levels, and making us feel more comfortable.
Noise Reduction
Research has found that plants absorb, diffract and reflect sound waves so that noise is reduced, producing a calmer and more productive working environment. The reduction of noise by plants is most noticeable in spaces with hard surfaces.
How do plants reduce noise?
Lower Stress Levels
Studies have shown that the physical signs of stress, such as increased pulse rates and blood pressures, were reduced in people working in a planted area. The calming effects of plants make employees feel more at ease and more valued by their employer, thus creating better relations between the work force and those in charge. Often, employees will find comfort and even companionship in what they deem to be "their" plant, making everyone feel happier!
Plants are good to keep us calm
Conserve Energy
Plants create their own mini micro-climate around them as they absorb heat, reducing the amount of air conditioning necessary, and thus reducing the cost incurred through use of climate altering equipment.
Guidance Through a Space
Plants can create walkways or indicators of traffic flow in an office, helping to guide your visitors, customers and work force around otherwise large and undefined areas.
To find a contractor near you who can help you to harnass all of the benefits of plants, visit our Find a Contractor page.
Just One Plant
Research from Margaret Burchett has proven that just one plant can make a substantial difference to a space - just imagine what an entire installation can achieve!
