Could workplace plants improve morale?

Morale: it’s one of those things that you can’t physically see but you can most definitely sense, both in a positive and a negative sense. Having high morale at work is all about confidence, discipline, a positive attitude and being able to do what needs to be done – it’s an easy feeling to break but a hard one to establish in the first place.

Low morale will affect the way your business operates and the overall impression you give off to clients and customers. Whilst HR Solutions should focus on boosting happiness through a smooth running payroll, company benefits and training, they also need to take into account the way an office looks and feels. Numerous studies from all around the world have highlighted the benefits indoor plants can have in the workplace. Here we are going to look at whether or not indoor plants can actually improve workplace morale.

They improve the air quality

Plants can improve the air quality in your office by raising the humidity levels. By raising these levels, it stops the air being dry, which leads to dry skin and eyes whilst also causing dehydration that results in headaches and dizziness. Dry air can also exacerbate asthma and other allergies increasing the spread of colds, flu and other sickness bugs.

Examples of the best plants for improved air:

• Ferns
• The Snake Plant
• Dracaenas

They reduce dust and bacteria

Plants reduce dust and bacteria because they lower the levels of CO2, resulting in less dust, mould and bacteria being inhaled. This is great news for those who suffer with allergies, as well as those who suffer from asthma because dust mites and mould spores are both known triggers for an asthma attack.

Even though hay fever affects about 18 million people in the UK, sufferers can benefit from having certain plants in the office too. Choose plants that have insect pollinated flowers such as:

• Pansies
• Hydrangeas
• Peonies

They increase your mood and well-being

Having plants in the office can also increase the mood of employees by making your place of work appear welcoming. They can reduce your stress levels, therefore increasing creativity, improving wellbeing and making for a productive workforce.

Examples include:

• Philodendron
• Spider plant
• Fiddle Leaf Fig

They boost concentration

Plants also have the power to boost concentration. This is because they can reduce or deaden the background noise in the office caused by general chit chat and phone calls. In fact, stems and branches absorb sound as well as reflecting and refracting it.

Examples include:

• Peace Lily
• Rubber Plant
• Weeping Fig

Overall, plants can help improve the workplace morale for many different reasons. So if the feel of your office is a little glum, get some plants in and watch everyone’s mood and productivity change.