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We’ve Landed: Planteria Launches in the United States

We’ve Landed: Planteria Launches in the United States

We’ve got exciting news to share – after two years of behind-the-scenes work, we’ve officially launched in the United States. 

Our new headquarters at 460 Park Avenue South in New York marks a major milestone for Planteria Group. But this isn’t just an expansion. It’s a response to something far more meaningful: client demand.

Why We're Here

Our move across the Atlantic wasn’t part of a grand plan for global conquest. In fact, it started with a request from some of our most valued clients:

“We want you to bring the Planteria experience here too.”

And so, we did. We listened. We planned. We built. Now, we’re proud to say that Planteria is officially operating across the Northeast Corridor – from Boston to Washington DC – bringing the same trusted service that our UK clients already know.

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What We're Bringing to the Table

Our US launch introduces the same signature service model that’s made us the UK’s leading office planting partner:

  • Biophilic design embedded seamlessly into workplace environments
  • Reliable, worry-free plant maintenance
  • Cost-efficient innovation with our Ecoponic substrate system
  • Enhanced employee engagement through our Engage & Bloom workplace experience program

We already maintain over 90,000 plants in UK workplaces, and now we’re bringing that experience to American businesses seeking consistency, simplicity, and results.

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What's Next?

This is just the beginning. While we’re currently focused on the Northeast Corridor, our next destination is already on the horizon: California.

We’re excited about what’s to come – and we’re grateful to the clients who’ve trusted us to take this step with them.

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Let's Grow Together

Want to learn more about our US services, innovations, or how Planteria can transform your workplace?

Read More

Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

The Complete Guide to Green Walls

The Complete Guide to Green Walls

Green walls (also called living walls or vertical gardens) are installations of plants on vertical surfaces. They appear indoors or outdoors, from office feature walls to full building facades.

Green walls bring several benefits. They improve air quality, reduce noise, and add visual interest. 

Inside, they can soften acoustics and lift staff mood. Research links greenery with lower stress and faster recovery.

On exteriors, they help cool buildings by shading and evaporative cooling – cutting wall temperatures by up to 14°C (25°F). 

This guide covers every type of green wall: indoor and outdoor, living and artificial. 

It includes design tips, light level advice, maintenance needs, costs, and common questions.

Interior Green Wall Systems

Interior green walls add vegetation to indoor spaces like lobbies, conference rooms, and offices. Below are the main categories of interior walls, each with its features, uses, pros, cons, and care notes.

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Living Walls

Living walls are truly “living” vertical gardens with irrigation. These come in various system types:

  • Modular Panels: Panels or frames that attach to the wall. Each panel contains plants in a substrate or media with built-in drip irrigation. These modules clip together or mount side-by-side.
  • Felt-Pocket Systems: Fabric “pockets” or pouches hung on a frame. Plants are inserted into pockets of synthetic felt, and irrigation wets the entire pocket panel.
  • Mobile Living walls:  Freestanding units on wheels, often double-sided. They include irrigation and work well as green room dividers in flexible or rented spaces.
  • Custom-Built Green Walls: Bespoke structures (e.g. troughs, framework of planters) built on-site. These may combine soil and hydroponic techniques to fit unique spaces or designs.

Regardless of type, living walls work by supplying plants with water and nutrients via an irrigation system. Green walls transform sterile interiors into biophilic spaces, boost air humidity slightly, and serve as living artwork.

Pros of Living Walls

  • Biophilic Impact: Actual plants and foliage. They can include a wide variety of species (ferns, pothos, philodendron, bromeliads, etc.) to create a rich texture and even seasonal interest.
  • Air Quality: Living walls consume CO₂ and some VOCs, improving indoor air.
  • Aesthetics: Greenery is dynamic, growing and changing over time (better visual effect than static art).
  • Customization: Choose plant mix for color, pollination, or function (e.g. air-purifying plants). Soil systems allow bulbs and flowering plants, hydroponic can support air-purifying or even edible plants.
  • Space-Saving: Adds greenery without using floor space – ideal where space is tight.
  • Visual Impact: Creates a striking impression. Often used in entrance atriums with signage to make a bold statement

Cons of Living Walls

  • Maintenance: Require ongoing care. Hydroponic and felt systems need constant monitoring (nutrient levels, pH, pump operation); soil walls are lower-maintenance by comparison.
  • Cost: Higher upfront and ongoing costs (installation and maintenance contracts).
  • Weight & Water: Heavy when saturated (up to ~75 kg/m² for dense modular systems) and potential for water leakage if not sealed.
  • Light Requirements: Plants need enough light; some systems in dim areas may fail without supplemental grow lights.
GreenWallAlley

Design & Maintenance

  • Irrigation: Living walls incorporate drip or capillary irrigation. Hydroponic systems need precisely balanced water and nutrients; soil-based walls retain moisture better, so watering can be less frequent. In all cases, a pump/reservoir or tap connection is required, and drainage must be planned.
  • Plant Selection: Shade-tolerant houseplants (pothos, ferns, mosses) suit low-light walls; brighter walls can support flowering species. Soil-based media allow bulbs and a greater plant range. Many designers use evergreen plants for year-round coverage, adding a few seasonal bloomers for interest.
  • Growth & Pruning: Plants will eventually outgrow modules. Regular pruning and trimming prevent overcrowding. Expect periodic plant replacements.
  • Structural Load: Verify wall load capacity. Many panel systems weigh 30–80 kg/m² when wet. An engineer should approve the mounts.
  • Access: Ensure installers have safe access (scaffolding or lifts) and that the finished wall can be serviced (platforms, catwalks, or permanent walkways).

Artificial Walls (Interior)

Artificial green walls use faux foliage to achieve a “green” look without living plants. They normally consist of artificial leaves and stems attached to rigid panels or mats.

  • How it works: Realistic fake plants (such as vinyl or silk plants) are mounted on panels that clip onto the wall or frame. They are designed to look like living walls but require no soil or irrigation.
  • Ideal uses: Indoor lobbies, offices or retail spaces where maintenance resources are limited, or where water damage is a concern. They are also used to add greenery to areas with no natural light or poor humidity control.

Pros:

Artificial walls require virtually no upkeep – no watering, no pruning, and no pest control. They stay green year-round and are allergy-friendly (no pollen or mold).

High-quality panels are durable and hold their appearance indefinitely. Installation is straightforward (lightweight panels mount easily) and they incur no irrigation or lighting costs.

Cons:

Artificial plants offer few of the benefits of live ones. While they can still support a sense of biophilia by mimicking natural forms, they don’t improve air quality or produce oxygen.

Over time, they can collect dust – though a quick dusting now and then keeps them looking fresh. Up close, even high-quality faux plants may appear less convincing than real foliage.   

Design & Maintenance:

Artificial panels come in many styles and textures, so design flexibility is high. Mounting requirements are minimal (normally requires a level surface and secure fixings).

Maintenance is limited to occasional dusting or gentle cleaning of the foliage.

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Preserved Moss Walls

Preserved moss walls use real moss that has been harvested and treated so it remains soft and green without growing. The moss can then be glued or attached to panels, frames or direct to the wall.

  • How it works: Natural forest moss (often reindeer or sheet moss) is treated with glycerin or other preservatives to lock in moisture and color. Panels of this preserved moss are then mounted on walls. No watering or light is needed, since the moss is “frozen” in its preserved state.
  • Ideal uses: Great for locations with no or low daylight (e.g. interior corridors) where live plants would struggle. Also used for acoustic decoration – preserved moss is highly sound-absorbent.

Pros: 

These walls are very low-maintenance. They never need water or sunlight, and they don’t dry out or turn brown under typical indoor conditions. 

A preserved moss wall can remain lush for years with just occasional gentle dusting. Moss panels also provide acoustic dampening (up to ~90% absorption of mid/high sound frequencies), so they reduce echo and noise. 

The natural texture of real moss is attractive and soothing.

Cons: 

Preserved moss is not alive – it doesn’t grow or change. While it mimics nature and offers some visual biophilic value, it brings none of the air quality benefits of living plants. It can’t recover from damage (people do like to touch it) and is best suited for dry indoor areas.

High humidity or outdoor exposure will cause it to break down. 

Moss walls also have a strong scent for a week or two after installation, but this fades completely and doesn’t linger.

Design & Maintenance: 

Preserved moss panels are sometimes framed and installed like artwork or else cover entire walls. 

They can be cut into shapes or integrated with logos for creative designs. No irrigation is needed, but keep humidity in a moderate range (extreme dryness or humidity can affect the moss texture).

JABmoss

Living Pictures

A “living picture” is essentially a framed or contained living wall – a shallow planter that hangs on a wall like a piece of art.

  • How it works: The system is a flat, rectangular container (often just a few inches deep) with a modular front and a plant-able growing medium inside it. Small plants are placed in the modular sections. The entire frame then hangs on the wall – hence the name “Living Picture”.
  • Ideal uses: Because they are relatively small and self-contained, living pictures are used like botanical artwork to green up small spaces without a full wall installation.

Pros: 

Living pictures create a striking visual centerpiece – a patch of real plants in a frame. They allow a mix of plants (for colour or texture) in a compact footprint. They require much less infrastructure than a large wall.

Cons: 

Because the planter is shallow, plant selection is limited. They still need some care: periodic watering (keeping the water reservoir topped up) and plant maintenance. 

These frames can be heavy when filled, so wall mounting must be secure.

Design & Maintenance: 

Treat a living picture like any hanging garden. Keep the water topped up.  Trim or replace plants that outgrow the frame or die. Hang the frame in bright, indirect light if possible.

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Movable Green Dividers

Movable green dividers (or green furniture) are portable or freestanding plant panels used as room partitions. They are like potted plant walls on wheels or with a stable base. Examples include living office screens with wheels or planters with tall plants (e.g. the Naava or LiveDivider type systems). 

How it works: These units integrate plants into a mobile structure. They may have shelves or pockets filled with plants on one or both sides. Some include features like magnetic whiteboards or even built-in lighting. Many are self-watering: a hidden water tank supplies the plants, and only occasional refill is needed.

Ideal uses: Open offices, coworking spaces, schools, and events. When flexible space partitioning is needed (for privacy, to define zones, or as movable décor), green dividers provide a living barrier. They are often used to subtly segment an area without hard walls.

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Pros: 

Mobility is the key benefit – you can reconfigure them or roll them to cleaning stations. They green both sides of the partition, maximizing impact. 

They are generally easier to install (no drilling into a wall, just position them where needed).

Cons: 

They can be heavy (especially when watered) and require a flat floor to roll smoothly. 

These dividers still need watering and sunlight (or built-in grow lights), and roots can outgrow the container over time. They often cost more due to their mechanical features.

Design & Maintenance: 

Choose sturdy, tipped-resistant bases. These units need an occasional refill of water/nutrients and some basic plant care (trimming, plant replacement). If integrated, irrigation technology may alert you when water is low.

Exterior Green Wall Systems

Exterior green walls and facades bring plant life to the outside of buildings. They must withstand weather and often provide building insulation and habitat.

Living Walls (Exterior)

Exterior living walls are similar in concept to interior ones but built for outdoors. They typically have robust construction, drainage, and choice of hardy plants.

  • How it works: These systems attach to building exteriors or freestanding structures. They often use modular panels with soil or hydroponic media, or large troughs/boxes. A complete irrigation system is mandatory (usually with drainage into the ground or a reservoir). Typical systems include a structural backing (drip tray or substrate box), waterproofing, and irrigation at the top feeding down.
  • Ideal uses: Building facades (new or retrofits), screening parking structures, covering blank walls, insulating glass buildings, or on fences. Also used on construction hoardings (temporary installation) or inside courtyards. Exterior walls can support taller vegetation and even vines under a trellis.

Pros: 

Exterior living walls can significantly affect microclimate.

By shading walls and through evapotranspiration, they cool surfaces – one study recorded wall surface drops of ~14°C compared to bare wall. This reduces AC demand. They capture rainwater and slow runoff, improving stormwater management.

Facade plants trap particulates and absorb CO₂, enhancing air quality. They provide habitat and connectivity for wildlife: native wildflowers and grasses on walls can feed bees and insects.

Aesthetic and branding benefits are high (e.g. covering unsightly elements with gardens).

Cons: 

These systems are expensive to install and maintain. The plantings face full sun, wind, and cold, so plant mortality can be high if not chosen well.

Structural concerns are critical: saturated green walls can weigh 50–100 kg/m² (e.g. ~75 kg/m²) plus wind loads.

Design & Maintenance:  

  • Location: Orientation matters. South or west-facing walls get the most sun, allowing flowering, sun-loving species; north-facing walls require shade-tolerant plants. Wind and exposure must be checked.

  • Irrigation: A fully engineered irrigation system is needed. This often includes a pump, filter, and controller in a “plant room” or outdoor cabinet. Overflow drains must be directed safely. In freezing climates, use frost-protected water lines and timers.

  • Support Structure: Engage a structural engineer to verify that the wall or frame can bear the load. Anchor points must be compatible with the facade material.

  • Plant Selection: Use hardy, low-maintenance perennials, shrubs and grasses suited to the local climate. Incorporate many evergreens for year-round cover; include flowering plants or habitat boxes to support pollinators. Native species are preferred for biodiversity.

  • Access: Plan scaffolding or maintenance access from the start. Facades may require rope access, catwalks, or lifts for pruning and repairs.

  • Regulations: Check local building codes (e.g. wind load, fire rating of panels) and standards (CWCT, BREEAM, etc.). Green facades can contribute to sustainability credits but may need planning approval.

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Artificial Green Walls (Exterior)

Exterior artificial walls use UV-stable faux plants for outdoor greenery. These panels mimic a living wall but are made of plastic or polyester foliage designed for sunlight and weather.

  • How it works: Artificial leaves are affixed to rigid panels or lattices, which mount on a wall or fence. Outdoor variants are treated to resist fading and can include materials like preserved preserved moss combined with synthetic greenery.
  • Ideal uses: Facades of buildings, fences, rooftop screens, or any outdoor wall where you want greenery but want to avoid irrigation or where real plants won’t thrive (e.g. very high walls or shady areas). They’re also popular for décor in outdoor restaurants or events, and for covering construction hoardings.

Pros: 

No watering, no seasonal die-off – the wall stays green and dense year-round. They require virtually no maintenance (just rinse off dust or pollen occasionally). There is no risk of structural damage from roots or moisture.

Artificial walls can be installed quickly and instantly transform an area.

Cons: 

Artificial walls offer none of the ecological services of living walls. They do not insulate, cool, or support wildlife; they may even contribute to microplastics if not high quality.

Sunlight will eventually fade the colours (though quality, UV rated products resist this). The look can appear plastic or repetitive up close, so selection of realistic panels is important.

Wildflower Walls (Exterior)

A wildflower wall is a green wall sown or planted with native wildflower and grass species, creating a vertical “meadow.”

  • How it works: These systems use panels or seed mats filled with a soil/gravel blend and seeded with wildflowers and native grasses. The installation captures rain or is irrigated until plants establish. As the plants grow, they bloom and attract pollinators. Systems like Vertical Meadow use a mix of native grasses and flowers to create a lush vertical habitat.
  • Ideal uses: Site hoardings, construction facades, sustainable building projects, or urban infill walls where biodiversity is a goal. They can be temporary (e.g. covering scaffolding for a season) or permanent features of eco-friendly developments.

Pros: 

Wildflower walls boost urban biodiversity. They become a year-round habitat for bees, butterflies and birds, effectively “stepping stones” between green spaces.

They offer seasonal colour and a dynamic look. During growth they improve public view (greening an otherwise bare wall or scaffold) and damp dust and noise a bit.

Cons: 

These walls are seasonal in appearance. Many wildflower species die back in winter, so the wall can look sparse or brown in off-season.

They require more maintenance than a simple vine wall – you may need irrigation for germination, weeding of invasive species, and periodic reseeding or patching. The structure must hold soil and may require deeper panels for root depth.

Design & Maintenance: 

Use locally appropriate seed mixes, often including perennials (clovers, knapweeds) and annuals (poppies, marigolds) to ensure blooms throughout the growing season. Provide irrigation at first (wildflower plants need water to establish).

In late autumn, the old stems can remain as nesting habitat or be trimmed to recycle nutrients. These walls usually start blooming in late spring and continue into summer.

Ivy Walls

Ivy screens (or vine screens) use climbing plants (often evergreen vines) trained on a trellis or frame to create a living wall or privacy screen.

  • How it works: Vines such as English ivy (Hedera), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), Virginia creeper (P. quinquefolia), and others are grown up a trellis or directly over a wall. Alternatively, panels of ivy plugs (often with roots embedded in coir matting) can be attached to walls. The plants cling or wrap as they grow, covering the surface.
  • Ideal uses: Exterior fences, garden walls, unsightly structures, or for privacy/coverage in outdoor spaces. Ivy screens provide evergreen cover in mild climates, creating a natural green fence.

Pros: 

Once established, many vines are low-maintenance (just periodic trimming). They provide year-round leaf cover (English ivy stays green) or vibrant fall colour (Boston ivy).

Ivy can quickly cover large areas, and as it matures it insulates and shades the wall. Screens are often used for privacy or to hide blank walls.

Ivy also dampens noise somewhat and improves air quality slightly by trapping particulates.

Cons: 

Climbing vines can damage buildings if not managed carefully. Clinging roots (like those of English Ivy or Virginia Creeper) can penetrate mortar or wood, widening cracks and trapping moisture.

Over time, heavy ivy can compromise brick walls or sidings. Ivy can also be invasive; English ivy is non-native in many areas and can out-compete native plants. Furthermore, ivy screens lose leaves in winter if deciduous, or can mat up gutters.

Design & Maintenance: 

Use a supportive structure: install a trellis or cable system so vines do not attach directly to sensitive surfaces.

Prefer vine species that twine or have tendrils (like grapes or clematis) rather than ones with adhesive rootlets. Regular trimming is needed to keep growth in check. Inspect the wall periodically: if cracks form, vines may need to be cut back. On buildings, skip climbing vines altogether unless the material (e.g. concrete) tolerates them.

Ivy Wall

Lighting Requirements

Interior living walls need adequate light. Most wall plants require at least 1000 lux at the leaf surface to thrive. In practical terms, this often means installing full-spectrum LED grow lights above the wall. The lights should provide both blue (∼430–440 nm) and red (∼640–660 nm) wavelengths for photosynthesis, though the lighting can be tuned to emit a pleasing white light (for good colour rendering and aesthetics). Light uniformity is important: designers aim for a ratio of minimum/maximum illuminance ≥0.33 so that all plants receive some light.

In technical terms, lighting is measured by Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD). A target PPFD of about 35 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ on the foliage is recommended for green walls. Over a full day, plants often need a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of roughly 1.5–4 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (the exact need depends on the plant species). In many offices, natural daylight (even from windows) falls short of this, so supplemental LEDs are used. Work with a lighting engineer or horticultural lighting specialist to calculate lamp power and placement.

Lighting Checklist:
  • Provide LED fixtures rated for plant growth (or use high-CRI white LEDs).
  • Mount lights 1–2 m from the wall for even coverage.
  • Avoid UV-heavy lighting indoors (green wall plants don’t need UV and extra UV can cause fast, ungainly growth).
  • Use timers to give plants ~10–14 hours of light per day (mimicking natural days).
  • In daylight zones, choose plants suited to the light level (shade-loving ferns versus sun-loving bromeliads)
Green wall in an office setting. Ans living green wall with lights and office chairs and table

Planning and Installation Considerations

Before installing any green wall, careful planning is crucial. Key considerations include:

  • Structural Support: Assess the load-bearing capacity of the wall or support structure. A fully saturated green wall can weigh at least 50–100 kg/m² . A structural engineer should verify that the wall and anchorage can handle this weight plus wind or seismic loads. For light planters, ground-anchored frames may suffice; for heavy cladding systems, special hangers and infill panels are used.
  • Waterproofing and Drainage: Any irrigation leaks can damage the building. Install a waterproof membrane or gutter behind the green wall to collect overflow. Provide proper drainage lines to carry excess water safely away. In exterior walls, plan for stormwater connection or soakaway (for interior, a drip tray and drain to plumbing).
  • Irrigation System: Most living walls require an irrigation pump and control unit. The pump, pipes, and possibly a nutrient reservoir often live in a nearby cabinet or “plant room”. Ensure you have space and access for this equipment. Plan piping routes from a water source and to the wall, and include backflow prevention as needed. In cold climates, winterize exposed pipes.
  • Orientation and Environment: Consider sunlight, wind, and heat. South/west walls receive intense sun and can support more sun-loving plants, whereas north walls need shade-tolerant species. Also note any heat sources (e.g. windows, HVAC vents) that might stress plants. Plan for microclimate: walls under eaves get rain, exposed facades dry out quickly. 
  • Access for Maintenance: Life safety is key – plan how gardeners will reach the wall. Include scaffolding anchors, permanent catwalks, or ensure space for lifts. Design for occasional removal of panels or trimming from a platform.
  • Safety and Codes: Check fire codes (some panels must meet Class B-s3,d2 ratings for cladding). Use materials rated for interior use if inside, or UV/weather-resistant products outside. In some jurisdictions, green facades or certain heights may require permits or consultations.
  • Electrical and Other Services: Indoor green walls may need lighting or pumps – plan electrical circuits. Ensure any electrical equipment is rated for the damp environment of a green wall.
  • Integration: Coordinate with other building systems. For example, make sure irrigation water can connect to building plumbing. Avoid routing irrigation over electrical fixtures. Incorporate the green wall into the architectural design (e.g. make irrigation controls accessible, integrate base planters as furniture).

By addressing these factors up front, you ensure the green wall will perform reliably.

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Maintenance and Aftercare

Ongoing care is essential for long-term success. Living walls require routine inspections and horticultural upkeep similar to a garden or greenhouse. Below are the typical maintenance tasks:

  • Regular Watering/Irrigation Checks: Verify that drip tubes or hydroponic lines are flowing. Check timers and sensors. In hydroponic systems, replenish nutrient solution and monitor pH. In soil systems, ensure the medium remains moist (but not waterlogged). If the wall is outdoors, adjust watering for season (more in summer, less in winter).
  • Pruning and Trimming: Trim back any overgrown plants to maintain design shape and light exposure. Remove dead or diseased foliage promptly. In high-growth species, monthly pruning is common.
  • Plant Replacement: Replace plants that die or fail to thrive. A good plant company will include free plants replacement in their maintenance contract.
  • Cleaning Filters and Drippers: Clean or replace filters, flush lines to prevent algae or mineral buildup (especially in hydroponic or hard-water areas). This prevents clogs and root rot.
  • Fertilization: Depending on the system, add fertilizer to the irrigation water or apply to soil periodically. Many green wall plants are light feeders, but replenishing nutrients ensures vigor.
  • Inspect Structure: Check that panels and supports remain securely attached. Look for leaks, eroded support brackets, or corrosion. Repair any membrane damage immediately to prevent water ingress.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Watch for insects (aphids, scale) and fungal issues.  Since plant density is high, infestations can spread rapidly if unchecked.
  • Seasonal Tasks: In climates with cold winters, plants may need some protection (e.g. remove sensitive species or use temporary covers). In summer heat, increase irrigation frequency. Remove leaf litter or debris that accumulates on the wall.

Overall, consistency is key. The long-term success of a living wall is dependent upon a robust maintenance and care program. Neglecting maintenance will quickly lead to plant loss and system problems.

Inspiration and Gallery

Explore what’s possible with green walls – real projects, real impact.

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Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

The Science and Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom

The Science and Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom

Harnessing nature for workplace wellness and engagement

This resource explores the science and strategies behind Planteria Group’s Engage & Bloom workplace experience programme. It will show how the programme provides employees, organisations and facilities managers with several key benefits from both a commercial and wellbeing standpoint.

Key theories and frameworks are identified, demonstrating the scientific and strategic theory that underpins the Engage & Bloom programme.

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An Introduction to Engage & Bloom

Engage & Bloom is a science-backed employee experience
programme that is centred on the principles of biophilia and its scientifically
proven benefits in terms of productivity and wellbeing. Such benefits are
achieved through harnessing the power of nature to create inspirational spaces.

The Engage & Bloom programme teaches clients how to look
after their plants at home, as well as inspiring them in the world of planting
and nature through a range of engaging experiences, including workshops,
interactive QR codes, and educational pieces. 

Workplace Experience Program by Planteria Group

The Modern Workplace Challenge

The modern workplace presents numerous challenges to ensure employees are working at an optimal level that benefits both the individual and the wider organisation. Since 1950, research suggests that we have gradually become more disconnected from nature and the benefits it provides.

A 2023 study by the UK Government identified that people spend 80-90% of their time indoors. To make matters worse research suggests that on average an office worker spends 12 hours per day looking at a screen.

Offices commonly experience a disconnect from nature, due to urban environments and sterile interior settings, as well as the growing importance of technology that has often acted as a substitute for nature as a source of recreation and entertainment. 

Increasing Importance of Well-being and Engagement for Productivity

Engage & Bloom is based on the concept of biophilia, which refers to a human being’s innate desire to connect with nature. This is further reinforced by numerous scientific findings, notably an experiment conducted by the Chelsea Flower Show.

This experiment invited participants to take part in a study that measured their creativity, happiness, and productivity across a variety of different workplace designs. The results found that allowing staff to make design decisions in a workspace enhanced with office plants can:

·       Increase well-being by 47%

·       Increase creativity by 45%

·       Increase productivity by 38%

These findings highlight the significant benefits that simply being around plants can have on employees. However, the interactivity of the Engage & Bloom programme enables organisations and their employees to harness these benefits to an even more powerful extent.

The Innate Human Connection to Nature: Biophilia

Biophilia is described as ‘an innate love for the natural world, supposed to be felt universally by humankind.’ The biophilia hypothesis is based upon the belief that humans have an inbuilt tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life.

In fact, the word biophilia is a combination of two ancient Greek words: bio (meaning life) and philia (meaning love). The term was first used by German social psychologist Erich Fromm, who claimed that biophilia manifests as the ‘wish to further growth, whether in a person, plant, idea, or social group.’

The growing awareness and popularity of biophilic design is indicated in the below graph, which demonstrates how the word biophilia, along with related keywords, has seen a significant spike in how frequently it is mentioned in publications, particularly from 2008 onwards.

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Engage & Bloom is a solution that combines both science and strategy through engaging workplace activities. As well as improving productivity and wellbeing, Engage & Bloom also promotes teamwork and fosters connections with nature and one another.

The Engage & Bloom programme applies Fromm’s concept of growth in terms of people, plants, and social groups by giving individuals the opportunity to enjoy a shared experience that connects them with plants and nature both on an individual and group level.

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The Science of Wellness in the Workplace

Workplace wellbeing encompasses how employees feel at work and about work, with a focus on developing and displaying healthy behaviours.

More specifically, it can include some of the following elements:

  •         A positive working environment
  •         Job satisfaction and purposefulness
  •         Good leadership and management
  •         Pay and reward
  •         Personal development
  •     Physical and mental health

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Impact of Stress, Poor Air Quality and Sterile Environments on Staff

Factors such as stress, poor air quality, and sterile environments can all have a negative impact on workplace wellbeing. Poor workplace mental health has been estimated to cost UK businesses an incredible £45bn each year. Furthermore, Lumien data reveals how wellbeing impacts employees 27% of the time, and as a result, companies are losing 17% productivity.

Annually, this equates to £5,318.45 per employee, representing a significant organisational cost that could be mitigated through the implementation of wellbeing-focused initiatives.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Biophilia

Taking an evidence-based approach to workplace wellbeing allows employers to understand their employees wants and needs, along with areas of improvement.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 45% of people reported that visiting green spaces helped them to cope. Likewise, Harvard research finds that spending 20 to 30 minutes in an outdoor setting where people feel they are interacting with nature can lower stress hormone levels.

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Cognitive and Productivity Benefits of Greenery in Offices

The concept of biophilia is supported by various studies and frameworks, including Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory which found that exposure to nature reduces mental fatigue, as well as helping improve focus and our ability to concentrate.

Likewise, Ulrech’s 1981 Stress Reduction Theory claims that natural environments promote recovery from stress, while urban environments tend to hinder it. 

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The Psychological Basis of Nature Engagement

According to the National Library of Medicine, individuals have less mental distress, less anxiety and depression, greater wellbeing and healthier cortisol profiles when living in areas with more greenspace.

This is reinforced by NHS research, which found that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature experience better health and higher psychological wellbeing than those who do not visit nature at all during an average week.

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Sensory Benefits of Plant Interaction

Sensory planting encourages an increasingly engaging and
meaningful experience with plants, stimulating senses, including smell, sound,
touch, and sight.

According to the RHS, selecting plants that are particularly
good for your senses can improve mood and general wellbeing. 

Examples of plants with sensory benefits include:

·       Fragrant flowers, such as lavender, jasmine, and rose

·       Herbs, including mint, basil, and rosemary

·       Plants with a particularly textural appearance include lamb’s ear, ferns, and ornamental grasses.

·       Vibrantly coloured plants that satisfy the visual sense

·       Edible plants such as strawberry plants

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Our Vertical Horizons towers can be used to grow herbs, salads and edible produce in the office.

Employee Engagement: Why it Matters

In their 2023 State of the Global Workplace Report, analytics and advisory firm Gallup found that nearly 6 in 10 employees are feeling disengaged at work. Traits of disengaged employees can include demotivation, missed deadlines, disinterest in team activities, and avoidance in taking initiative.

Such behaviours have also been described by the term ‘quiet quitting,’ whereby a disengaged employee only fulfils the bare minimum of their duties.   

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The Impact of Disengagement

Employee disengagement can result in several issues, both for an individual’s wellbeing and the organisation. Decreased productivity is a key risk of disengaged employees, along with high absenteeism and turnover rates and the subsequent recruitment and training costs.

The 2023 State of the Global Workplace report found that disengaged employees are estimated to cost the global economy $8.8 trillion dollars, which represents 9% of global GDP. As well as the financial implications, employee disengagement also results in an adverse impact on team morale, which may cause an overall reduction in workplace productivity and innovation due to an unfavourable working environment. 

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The Role of Nature in Engagement

Biophilic design can be classified into six key principles illustrated below:

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The last two principles provide a clear insight into how biophilic design can foster a sense of purpose and belonging. Place-based relationships refer to the link between culture and ecology. This is based upon a human’s sense of connection with familiar surroundings and feelings of protection or stewardship towards such places, known as Place Attachment Theory.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology investigated the connection between green buildings and place attachment. It found that biophilic design and opportunities for connection to nature were amongst the most important aspects for supporting Place Attachment Theory and can enhance individual wellbeing, quality of life, as well as increase pro-environmental behaviours and community resilience.

When coupled with the attachment to nature and health and wellbeing benefits that biophilic design provides, it is clear to see the powerful impact that spaces with a strong biophilic element can have on an individual’s sense of belonging within that space. 

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How Interactive Experiences with Plants Create Meaningful Connections

Direct contact with vegetation represents one of the most successful ways of promoting human connection in design. Dr. Stephen Kellert claims that human evolution and survival require the management of natural environments, particularly with regards to sensory elements. Moreover, DelSesto highlights the variety of often overlooked ways that we interact with plants in daily life.

From clothing to writing materials, plants are used to produce essential daily items. What’s more, the exchange of plants as a mark of celebration or condolence highlights their powerful role in landmark events in our lives.

DelSesto’s below spectrum categorises people-plant interactions into key groupings: physical exertion, tactile immersion, and peaceful abiding. Different aspects can align particularly strongly with some of the identified benefits of biophilia. For example, interactions classified under the ‘peaceful abiding’ grouping are likely to be closely aligned to the benefits of stress reduction, while those classed as ‘tactile immersion’ may be particularly effective at boosting engagement and concentration.

The spectrum of people plant interactions

Strategies Behind Engage & Bloom: Tailored Solutions for Every Workplace

Engage & Bloom comprises three modular packages, allowing tailored solutions for every workplace. In addition to an informative biophilic webinar, employees can dial in live and speak to our ‘Plant Doctor’ who will advise on care and maintenance of specific plants. 

Furthermore, there is the opportunity to identify and learn about plant species simply by scanning a plant’s QR code, which brings up the relevant page of the Plantopedia. Silver and gold packages also include interactive and engaging biophilic-based workshops, which can encompass activities such as wreath making, floristry, and orchid arrangement.

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Flexible Solutions to Suit Workplace Needs

Engage & Bloom is focused on creating tailored solutions for every workplace. The flexibility of several key offerings within the programme allows employers to implement activities in accordance with their workplace’s needs and schedules.

Plant giveaways, biophilic webinars, and workshops can be scheduled at a convenient time and location for the business, whether it is on-site or at a separate location as part of an out-of-office event.

Engagement Through Experience

According to Michigan State University, there are many activities workplaces can implement to improve group cohesion and build trust.

Such activities often give employees the chance to interact with colleagues in a different way and reveal different aspects of their personalities that may not come out during normal work interactions.

Other advantages of team building include:

  •     Boosting employee engagement
  •     Encouraging communication
  •     Mitigating  conflict
  •     Increasing  collaboration

Engage & Bloom workshops provide an opportunity for employees to experience these benefits, whether working directly together or enjoying a shared experience alongside each other to produce wreaths, orchid displays, and floristry bouquets.

As noted by McKinsey & Company, being amongst nature helps with attention span, creativity, well-being, and happiness and should act as a foundational resource for both individual and team development.

How Interactive Learning Builds Deeper Connection

Referring to DelSesto’s spectrum of people-plant interactions, the different activities within the Engage & Bloom programme can be classified within this framework. Floristry bouquets, moss art, orchid and wreath making workshops are categorised under the ‘tactile immersion’ category due to employees’ physical interaction with plant materials.

Other aspects of the Engage & Bloom programme, such as plant giveaways, dial-in plant clinics, and identifying plant species using a QR code and Plantopedia are categorised under the ‘peaceful abiding’ category, due to their focus on sensory engagement with plant environments and representations of plant environments. Such interactive and informative activities can promote deeper connections within the workplace.

The social element of a shared workplace activity can help employees to feel connected to one another and the activity. According to Times Higher Education, feeling connected to what is being learnt and the people one is learning alongside is what underpins engagement. They go on to state that feeling socially connected enhances an individual’s sense of belonging, which is essential to maintain motivation and feelings of safety and comfort.

Employee Satisfaction Surveys

Employee satisfaction following increased interaction with biophilia can be measured in several ways. Heightened creativity may be evident in subsequent projects and brainstorming sessions, while reported increases in productivity can also be observed.

Organisations may find that outlined objectives are being reached increasingly quickly and projects are completed ahead of schedule. In terms of wellbeing, employers may observe a positive change in the overall mood and atmosphere within the workplace

Client Success Stories

Recently, we brought the Engage & Bloom program to a leading social media platform’s London office. Employees fully embraced the experience, from learning about plant care to taking home their own plant, the event left lasting impressions and fostered stronger connections with nature in the workplace. 

The client shared the following feedback after the event: “I’m so happy that you shared some beautiful pictures with me today. The plants look amazing, and I was extremely happy to see the engagement with our members; they looked happy. Well done to the Planteria team!”.

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Case Studies

Engage & Bloom activities have been successfully implemented in a diverse range of workplaces and industries.

Wreath making makes a particularly popular seasonal workshop that can be adapted to the season, whether it is over the festive period, autumn, or spring. As such, materials can also be adapted to suit the season, theme, and even the organisation’s brand colours, creating a truly personalised experience for each individual workplace.

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Wreath 3
Wreath 2

Quantifiable Benefits for Staff Engagement and Wellness

Awareness and application of biophilia within the workplace, through biophilic design elements in the office and Engage & Bloom engagement activities can be quantifiably measured using numerous metrics.

The outlined body of scientific research strongly suggests that organisations would see a reduction in absenteeism and the number of cases of reported stress and wellbeing-related issues when biophilic design and activities are regularly implemented within the workplace.

Implementing Engage & Bloom

According to the KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook Report, the majority of UK CEOs expect companies to shift towards a full return to office work within the next three years. As such, it is important for facilities professionals to look at ways to create calming and inviting workplaces.

The implementation of biophilic design principles is a key way to achieve this and demonstrate the facilities manager’s commitment to wellbeing and engagement. Introducing new and innovative biophilic initiatives can help facilities managers to further strengthen their client relationships and demonstrate proactive awareness of scientific and strategically backed initiatives that benefit their clients.

Preparing for an Engage & Bloom Rollout

The Engage & Bloom team will contact you to book in your events on a date that is convenient to your team.  They will talk through the options with you and help you choose the best event type to suit your team, goals and/or the time of year. 

For example, the wreath building workshop is most popular in Quarter 4 – as staff get to take home their own handcrafted wreath ready to decorate their home for Christmas.The Engage & Bloom team will identify what sort of space they need to hold the workshop or activities. 

We recommend sending out company-wide communications for the larger events or specific invitations to the workshops.  Allow staff enough time to ensure they are in the office on the specific days.  The anticipation of a fun and engaging event can be a engagement piece in itself – reminding them that the company is committed to their wellbeing and have them looking forward to the event.

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Partnership with Planteria Group

Planteria Group is committed to delivering tailored solutions for each individual workplace. With three packages available, employers can choose the one that is best aligned to their budgetary and organisational needs, with each package consisting of several Engage & Bloom initiatives. Silver and Gold packages also let organisations choose between 2-4 yearly workshops, with the opportunity to pick from several different workshop options and tailor them to suit their organisation’s needs.

Conclusion

Engage & Bloom is rooted in a scientific foundation. It’s based upon the key principles identified in Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory regarding nature exposure reducing mental fatigue.  It is also based on Ulrech’s 1981 Stress Reduction Theory and its belief that natural environments promote recovery from stress.

Engage & Bloom harnesses the power of nature in the form of interactive initiatives that improve cohesion, build trust, and encourage enhanced team relationships.

As highlighted, the implementation of an Engage & Bloom workplace experience programme provides several key benefits, both in terms of individual employee wellbeing, productivity, and creativity. Additionally, there are a multitude of wider organisational benefits, including reduced absenteeism, labour turnover, and heightened team morale.

Discover tailored solutions that provide organisational, individual, and team benefits. Let us help you transform your workplace today.

About Planteria Group

Planteria is the UK’s leading office plant company, operating as an independent, family-run business of experts for more than 40 years and maintaining over 90,000 plant displays nationwide. We are committed to creating best-in-class biophilic design and have worked on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects. 

You’ll find our work in offices, showrooms, and public buildings across the UK. Our Services: Design, installation and maintenance of planting for workplaces.  Interior and exterior biophilic design, living walls and moss walls. We also offer corporate floristry and seasonal decorations, including orchids, Christmas trees and more workplace experience services via our Engage & Bloom Programme.

Contact Information

ENGAGE & BLOOM TEAM

T: 0345 505 3333

E: engageandbloom@planteriagroup.com

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15 Things to Consider When Choosing Plants for Your New Office

15 Things to Consider When Choosing Plants for Your New Office

It can be difficult to know where to begin when deciding which plants to choose for your office, so we’ve put together 15 essential factors to keep in mind.

Whether you’re moving into a new building or refurbishing your existing space, introducing greenery is a simple yet impactful way of enhancing your office. Plus, plants are scientifically proven to provide plenty of other important benefits.

For business owners they increase the value of your property and help attract talent. For your staff they increase wellbeing, creativity, and increase productivity by up to 15%.

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1. Lighting Conditions

Lighting is one of the most important factors in determining which plants will thrive in your office. Before you decide which plants to go for, we like to establish the light you have available in your office, particularly the amount of natural light. You can then choose plants that are a good match for your lighting conditions.

For example, pothos, philodendron, rubber plants, and fiddle-leaf figs are all ideal for well-lit spaces, while in darker environments options will be more limited.  However plants like the ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) and snake plant (Sansevieria) can thrive in low-light. There are also important considerations such as the colour of the light (very important for plant growth) and light schedules (some plants need periods of darkness). 

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2. Space Availability

Make the most of your office planting by considering all aspects of the space. While floorstanding plants can be an obvious starting point, consider other alternatives, including hanging planting and small desktop plants that add an uplifting feel to workstations.

You may also like to choose a trailing plant that will cascade down from shelves, creating an eye-catching feature. At Planteria, our team enjoys developing innovative and bespoke planting solutions. For the below project we added planters to the tops of lockers, transforming a practical office essential into a decorative feature.

planting on lockers

A moss wall can create true wow factor in your office. As well as looking incredibly impressive, moss walls reduce noise levels- perfect for loud office environments. Similarly, a living wall is an impactful office planting solution that won’t take up any floorspace. Consider a professionally designed and installed living wall that reflects your company and brand, even potentially incorporating your logo. Installing a living wall in a customer-facing area also creates a memorable first impression for guests.

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As well as plants, introducing fresh flowers into your office will have an undoubtedly uplifting effect on your employees. Assemble bouquets yourself or make it a team bonding activity. If you’d prefer to leave it to a professional, the Planteria floristry team can assemble and deliver regular bouquets to your office. 

As well as creating an inviting and vibrant workspace for staff, they also help build a positive first impression for guests. For a simple yet striking option, choose an orchid. When combined with moss and flowers, they make an elegant addition to any office and are available in various sizes.

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3. Sustainability

Sustainability is an important consideration with almost any purchase, and office plants are no different. Consider ways to make your office planting scheme more environmentally friendly. For example, Ecoponic is a pure mineral mixture of pumice and zeolite that acts as an alternative to soil. Ecoponic offers numerous benefits, including:

  •             Permanent structural stability that keeps soil airy and enables root absorption
  •            Optimal air pore volume, creating ideal conditions for growing
  •             Circular, allowing it to be re-used and recycled infinitely
  •            Peat-free, protecting vulnerable peatlands, wildlife and reducing emissions
  •            Efficiency in water storage and absorption
  •             Reduced likelihood of flies or pests due to a lack of organic material

As well as planting material, pots also provide an opportunity to make a more sustainable choice. Elho pots are made from 100% recycled plastic using wind energy. Plus, they’re recyclable. Likewise, Capi produces various sustainable planting solutions. Capi Waste Line products are made from recycled cork and marine debris. 

Capi’s Nature range includes beige pots made from recycled sawdust, green designs made from recycled artificial grass and black options made from recycled textiles. When it comes to maintenance, Planteria also have a team of Walking Plant Technicians who visit client offices on foot to reduce emissions.

ecoponic

4. Creating a Story

Adding plants to your office space gives you an opportunity to be creative and incorporate meaningful links and references to your business. Our design team will create a planting scheme that matches your brand’s colours for a cohesive look and feel. 

The below example shows how our Planteria design team took inspiration from Experian’s branding guidelines:

Experian Colour board 1 768x432.png e1738313918874

Shades of purple and pink were infused into the cabinet top planting, naturally blending the company’s branding with the greenery. Most of the pots were chosen in neutral colours, accented with hints of blue tones to link back into Experian’s branding.

You may also wish to draw inspiration from your logo or product/service offering when planning your planting scheme. 

For example, when designing a scheme for a Legal & General whose logo featured an umbrella, we installed umbrella trees as a subtle yet clever nod to their brand.

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Legal and General e1738314194693

5. Maintenance Requirements

While it’s natural to think about how your plants initially look, it’s crucial to consider how much maintenance they will require on an ongoing basis. Keeping your plants healthy and safe from pests can be a big task. 

Most businesses opt to appoint a plant maintenance contractor where specialist plant technicians will visit and tend to your plants. These services normally offer free replacements for plants that are unwell, dead or growing too tall. 

If you’re short on time and prefer to take care of your plants in-house, it makes sense to consider low-maintenance options, including ZZ plants, aloe vera, or philodendrons, which are great choices for those with busy schedules.

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6. Size of the Plant

Before you go ahead and purchase your plants, it’s important to consider their size. Not just at the time you’re buying them, but the size they may potentially grow to. Larger plants can help to fill empty and expansive spaces but may overwhelm smaller rooms. 

Likewise, a very small plant in a large space can look disproportionate. If you have limited space, consider smaller plants or even desk-sized options such as succulents or air plants.

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7. Air Quality Benefits

One of the most advantages of office plants is their ability to improve air quality. Some plants, like the philodendron selloum, dracaena warneckei, ficus benjamina and aglaonema greyound are known for their air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins.

If you are wanting to make a significant difference to the air quality, it will require a large number of plants.  A living wall is a brilliant way of naturally increasing oxygen levels and air quality.

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8. Employee Preference

Why not share the process of choosing your office plants with your employees? Ask their preferences and get them involved in the process. After all, they will be surrounded by the plants every day. Involving employees in the process can also make them feel more accountable for the plants when it comes to taking care of them.

Plus, it demonstrates your commitment to their wellbeing and creating an office space that they will enjoy working in.

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9. Cost and Budget

Plants come in a variety of price ranges, depending on their size, rarity, and species. Be sure to set a budget before you begin choosing your plants so you can select your plants in alignment with your budget.

While more affordable plants like snake plants and spider plants are great budget-friendly options, if you’re working with a larger project, you may wish to opt for larger or more exotic plants that add a unique focal point to your space, especially when they’re positioned in a key area, such as centrally in the office or in the reception area.

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10. Safety Considerations

If you regularly have young children or pets in your office, it’s important to choose plants that are non-toxic. Some common office plants, like the aloe vera plant, are safe, while others, such as dieffenbachia or poinsettias, can be toxic if ingested. 

Always check if a plant is pet-friendly before introducing it to the office if you know animals are going to be around.

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11. Aesthetic Appeal

Looks aren’t everything when it comes to plants, but they do play a very important part. Consider the colour, leaf shapes, and sizes and how they will fit in with your office décor. If you’d like to create a minimalistic and contemporary office space, opt for sleek, modern plants like snake plants or bonsais.

For a vibrant or tropical aesthetic, choose plants with large, bold foliage such as monstera or fiddle-leaf figs. If adding plants is part of an office-wide refurbishment, consider making a moodboard beforehand so you can get a clear idea of the aesthetic you’re aiming for and which plants have been used in similar spaces.

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12. Growth Rate

The growth rate of a plant will impact how often you need to repot it or trim it. If you prefer a more contained plant, choose slow-growing options that require minimal maintenance. For example, blue star fern, calathea and philodendron.

Some plants, like the ficus benjamina grow quickly and may require more frequent attention. Knowing the growth rate helps prevent your plant from outgrowing its space too quickly and allows you to stay on top of whatever maintenance is needed.

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13. Temperature Tolereance

Plants have varying tolerances to temperature, so it’s essential to match them to your office’s climate. Remember to check the temperature and humidity levels in your office before choosing plants. 

Always got the heating on? opt for cacti and succulents that generally prefer warm, dry conditions. If your office is a cooler climate, choose ZZ plants, aspidistra and Phoenix date palms that can thrive, even in cooler, more humid environments. 

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14. Pots and Containers

It’s not just the plant you need to consider; pots and containers have an important part to play in enhancing the visual appeal of your plant while also promoting healthy growth. Choose pots with proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Additionally, consider how the container fits with the overall aesthetic of the office. Ceramic, concrete, and modern metallic pots can provide a sleek look, while wooden or woven baskets create a natural and laidback feel. Likewise, square and rectangular planters and pots have a modern and streamlined appearance, while round shapes give an organic feel.

Floorstanding pots

15. Seasonal Changes

Finally, it’s worth considering the impact that the different seasons will have on the plants you choose. Some plants may require additional maintenance during certain times of the year. Seasonality is also a consideration in terms of how your plants look too, with potential changes in leaf colour, volume and flowers across the different seasons.

As well as considering planting inside your office, don’t forget about the exterior. Whether it’s at the front entrance or a terrace an exterior planting scheme allows you to enjoy greenery and seasonal blooms in your outdoor environment.

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Conclusion

Picking the right plants for your office can depend on several features, in terms of both visual appearance and practical considerations. Keeping these 15 factors in mind allows you to choose a selection of plants that will suit your space and be suitably maintained, creating a healthier, more enjoyable workspace for all.

If you’re short on time or would prefer to leave it to a professional, consider contacting the friendly Planteria team. We can take care of everything from coming up with a design that suits your space to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Get in touch today to see how we can transform your office space.

JLL Birmingham, a group of team members sitting in the auditorium

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Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

Sustainability, Biodiversity, Biophilia and Building a Better Future

The pandemic has heightened environmental awareness.  As COVID-19 swept through all our lives and made huge changes to the way we have had to live, this has given us time for introspection and reflection on the fragility of our planet and our core values. What is important to us?   That is the question that we have asked ourselves.  The answer?  Looking after our physical and mental health as well as the planet that we live on.

In an article published in June 2019, the Guardian wrote that Briton’s are more worried about the climate crisis than the economy, crime, or any other issues.

 

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Sustainability, biodiversity, and wellbeing issues are complex interconnected subjects. Everything we do and how we live impacts the planet, our health, and our wellbeing.  It’s very clear that we need to make better choices and decisions to improve our situation in all these areas, it requires a holistic approach.

The mental health foundation, who chose nature as their theme for Mental Health Awareness week this year, published the results from recent research which shows that one of our top coping strategies during lockdown was to go for walks outside and that 45% of us reported that being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.  Another example of our yearning for nature to help us cope during this period was that websites showing footage from Webcams of wildlife saw hits increased by over 2000%.

It is no wonder then that sustainability, biodiversity, and other green issues are at the top of the agenda for most people. Organisations understand the importance of this and of their own corporate social responsibility to ingrain this into their values.  It is wonderful to see that most leading organisations now have appointed a Head of Sustainability role.   This is a senior leadership position that takes an overarching responsibility for ensuring that sustainability and corporate social responsibility are considered in all areas of operations within the business.

Over the past year, the majority of us have had our lives turned upside down. Working from home, schooling from home, cut off from physical contact with friends and family.   With everything from holidays to weddings cancelled, we had a lot more time on our hands.  As well as giving us time and space to think about the important things, we have proved that it is possible to work and learn from home, spend more time in nature and in relative comfort, less time commuting, and have less impact on the planet as a result. We now have the opportunity to reassess, re-evaluate and build back in a better way, that suits us as individuals.  The most innovative and successful companies are adapting to this by offering their staff a hybrid model and flexibility to support their work life balance.

How can we create a better future? This is the question, and it is also the opportunity, that is being facilitated by designers, architects, and leaders in the property management sector.

“The future will belong to the nature smart – those individuals, families, businesses and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real”.  Richard Louv – ‘The Nature Principle’.

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The co-working sector, in particular, looks set for a boom as they specifically offer flexibility and attractive collaborative working spaces.  Innovative companies like our client Fora Space feature impressive, biophilic-design led spaces, linked to nature, and are leading from the front in this sector.

The importance of good design linking us to nature is better understood now, especially since we have spent the past year being able to access our gardens and local parks more frequently. The truth is that in this country we spend more than 90% of our time indoors and we have changeable unreliable weather. So, we have a real need to bring nature inside if we are to benefit from it year-round, and as we make the transition back to working from an office.  Working in spaces that feel more natural and include planting gives us the boost that we yearn for. In turn, it also boosts our health and well-being, helping us to cope with stressful situations.

We can, and should make better use of outside spaces to create gardens and pocket parks in cities.  This will increase the amount of greenery, and by selecting plants that attract nature and provide a natural habitat for wildlife, we are supporting biodiversity.  We need to maximise opportunities here,  joining up the green spaces between London’s parks, improving the views for the local community, and improving the environment. Planting additional trees wherever that is possible, helps absorb carbon, provides shade cover, and produces additional oxygen, cleaning the air.  Every small improvement adds up to make a significant difference.

At Planteria we work with a wide variety of clients including property management companies, designers and architects, collaborating on projects that improve the environment and enhance people’s well-being.

As office plant suppliers, we are committed to sustainability ourselves, and an ongoing effort to improving our practices and operations in this area.

We are working to reduce plastics from our supply chain; our online plant shop – Foli8, uses coir hair pots instead of plastic.  These pots are 100% natural and made from coconut fibres. We are moving to a green company fleet and have just switched over half the fleet to electric vans.  At our head office, we keep sheep instead of mowing the lawns! We recycle and we compost all our green waste.  We also harvest rainwater as our first choice for watering our plant stocks.

Tra QU 12 Four coloured Spiderwort Tradescantia fluminensis houseplant

 

Can we help you achieve your sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals? Please get in touch so we can discuss your ambitions.

We LOVE The Urban Jungle Trend

Having just a solitary plant by the window is no longer the norm – offices across the nation are creating their own little patches of green and incorporating plants into their interior décor.

The benefits of a green office space are many, from mental wellbeing to lower levels of stress. Green Plants for Green Buildings say that a productive office includes biophilic design or bringing the outside in. The urban jungle trend can help you accomplish this goal – and it’s a trend that we love here at Planteria.

Planteria Urban Jungle

Why Do We Love the Urban Jungle Trend So Much?

By adding planters, plant stands, indoor plants, hanging plants and more to the office, you can create a ‘jungle’ in the building or workspace (and even at home!) that boosts people’s wellbeing and productivity.

And, at Planteria, we believe this interior trend is here to stay.

For a start, this is not a new concept, as people have been trying to create ‘jungle vibes’ in their home and place of work for a long time. If you look at the popularity of hashtags such as #urbanjungle, #junglestyle and #junglehome on Instagram, it’s clear this trend is not just a fad.

For example, there are almost 5 million posts just with the #urbanjungle tag!

Instagram

Also, with a growing number of people living in cities (it’s estimated that, by 2050, there will be 2.4 billion more people in cities), bringing the jungle indoors is an increasingly attractive option.

It’s difficult for us to imagine life without greenery, so it’s no wonder that the urban jungle trend appeals so much to us. Plants can create a soothing atmosphere and are a brilliant addition to commercial spaces in general, including offices.

Urban Jungle

After all, an office full of bright colours and vivid greens will make people feel at ease (since it meets their biophilic needs) and reduces employees’ stress levels. We also believe an indoor jungle can improve air quality, boost people’s moods and create a happier workplace, which is why we love this trend so much.

How Easy Is It to Reproduce the Trend at Work?

The short answer is that it’s incredibly easy to bring the jungle indoors with a trusted office plant supplier.

You don’t have to go as far as Amazon, who really took the jungle look to the next level by building the Spheres. These giant biodomes in their Seattle headquarters allow staff to escape the office and work surrounded by nature:

If you’re considering rewilding your interior, there are two things you must take into account:

  • That, besides the aesthetic, the space has to maintain its functionality as well.
  • And that you need to pick the right plants for your office.

So, with this in mind, make sure that the layout of your workplace still makes sense. The visual appeal and impact of the plants are undeniable, but you also want your employees and visitors to be able to easily navigate the office without obstacles in the way, for instance.

The urban jungle look is all about more plants and more coverage, so don’t skip the walls either – living walls or potted plants on walls can add to the jungle effect and maximise your floor space at the same time.

Planteria's Urban Jungle

Choosing the right plants for the office is also important because you want something that is easy to maintain. Plants require TLC to look their best and offices are usually busy places so, in order to keep up the jungle look, low effort plants and flowers should be top choice.  You can however leave that to us at Planteria Group and we can help pick the best ones for your space, and look after them for you too!

What’s So Fun About the Urban Jungle Trend?

Plants are a source of inspiration and this trend can help people to reconnect with nature and unleash their creativity. What’s more, plants bring life into interiors as well – if you remove all plants from a space, it’s easy to see how empty and boring it can look.

The urban jungle trend also allows people to have fun taking care of something living and to contribute to the aesthetic of their own home workspace, which appeals to many home jungle fans who prefer plants to pets, they are both cheaper and easier to care for and don’t require walking!

Urban Jungle Planteria

How Can Planteria Help?

Our expert plant technicians create solutions tailored to your workspace. We always take the building design and restrictions into consideration, which includes humidity levels, lighting and heat; this allows us to create a bespoke design that matches your unique requirements.

Our knowledge of office plants is unrivalled and we make sure to match your corporate image and select the right plants for your environment as well.

We have a wide range of plants to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with Planteria. From Dracaena Lemon Limes and Anthuriums to Sansevieria and Aglaonema Stripes, we provide beautiful plants for any type of office and sector, including hotels, restaurants and offices of every shape and size!

Planteria Urban

We offer many options for corporate plants at Planteria, so get in touch today to learn more about them and how we can help create an urban jungle in your office.

Biophilia & other Reasons to Have Plants in the Workplace

If you’ve been reading about the buzzword Biophilia but have yet to understand what the buzz is about, then we’ve made a helpful infographic for you, designed to show you the amazing relationships that can occur between workers and plants in the modern office.

Plants truly are amazing. If you’re looking to improve your office space with some smart greenery, why not enhance your office with our office plants for hire service. Impress your workers and guests with an outstanding boardroom, ensure that they remember you as an innovative and forward-thinking company by transforming your spaces into greener, healthier, places to enjoy working in.

planteria group infographic

And if you’re interested in reading more about the joys of biophilia and the many benefits of plants, we have plenty of blogs to keep you up-to-date on the latest hints, tips and news:

   Biophilia – What is It and Why is it Important

   Indoor Air Quality: Facts & How to Improve

   The Best Plants for Your Office Environment

   Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Biophilic Design in The Workplace – What’s it all about?

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As the design of the workplace evolves through various trends, from cellular office environments to open plan spaces and then the rise of agile working spaces, the rising trend of biophilic design has been hard to ignore.

 

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is essentially a design framework that intertwines the patterns of nature into the built environment, strengthening the human-nature connection. What makes this work is the effective incorporation of natural elements such as stone, wood, living green walls, water features, and plants into the interior environment.

Apart from the inclusion of natural materials, biophilic design also incorporates the use of natural lighting to help people maintain a natural circadian rhythm, access to fresh air through high quality HVAC systems and an overall design that encourages movement, such as stairs to keep people active and mobile.

Roof terrace area with ratten furniture, artificial grass and two tree style plants.

 

Why is Biophilic Design so Effective?

When all the features of biophilic design are combined correctly, what is created is a workplace that optimises employee performance, health and wellbeing, helping organisations reach peak physical and mental performance. Through our innate desire to protect and nurture that which feeds us and sustains us physically and emotionally, we instinctively connect with natural features such as plants, fresh air and water.

Whilst this may seem a financial luxury given the pressures on most organisations, economic reasons are actually one of the key drivers for the growing biophilic trend. As organisations become more aware of the value of investing in employee health, wellbeing and performance, the value of creating a workplace which fosters and improves this is seen as a sound economic policy.

Open plant office with bright yellow desk dividers and tree style plants potted around the room edges

 

Why is Biophilic Design Relevant?

Biophilic design is changing the way we work and has been a key feature in workspaces from workplace design pioneers such as GoogleAmazonApple and many others across the world. The focus in creating the best workplaces is also to do with attracting and retaining key talent and these companies realise that by investing in this area, they will be successful in attracting the top workforce and maximising creativity within that workforce.

With the World Health Organisation expecting stress related illness such as mental health disorders and cardiovascular disease to be the two largest contributors to disease by 2020, the onus is on creating spaces where worker wellbeing flourishes. Numerous studies have been shown to demonstrate that by incorporating elements of nature through biophilic design into the workspace, stress levels and ill health absenteeism can be reduced whilst productivity, creativity and wellbeing are improved.

Mezzanine level meeting room in office with artificial grass

 

How Do We Implement Biophilic Design in Our Workspace?

The best way to implement biophilic design is at the outset of a project. By involving all the key stakeholders in such a project, including employees, facilities managers, finance teams, office design consultants and biophilic experts like Planteria Group, the whole picture can be realised.  Incorporating the spatial and human opportunities that exist enables the organisation to realise a plant display and design that increases performance, wellbeing, creativity and profit.

Planteria Group work closely with Zentura, specialists in office design and fit out, to design biophilia into the perfect space for you creating the ultimate working environment.  You can find out more, take a look at their case studies or obtain a free consultancy session here.

Terrariums Add Style

xNewsThumbResizex481 Terrariums are making a stylish statement in luxury hotels, restaurants and in the receptions and board rooms of blue-chip companies thanks to our help. These exceptional planters offer a wonderfully unique and interesting way to display a variety of plants such as succulents, air plants, moss & more. Terrariums enjoyed popularity in the 1970’s and they’re making a comeback on a massive scale. We’re glad because we think they look great and we love making them too. https://youtu.be/sM6P6qBufWs As more people discover the benefits of planted terrariums we’ve noticed an increase in our requests to supply them to hotels, facilities management companies, offices & beyond. They’re on trend, easy to maintain and make a big impact to impress clients, employees and visitors at your place of business. They’re also a real conversation-starter to get people speaking and engaging with your brand. If you’re unsure what a terrarium is, it is defined in the dictionary as: a glass container, chiefly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants. Terrariums are usually closed or partially closed glass containers such as fishbowls, jars or vases containing soil, stones and a variety of plants. Due to the popularity of terrariums they now come in all shapes & sizes, allowing you to choose the style and plants appropriate for your space.

Why choose a Terrarium?

  • Low maintenance
  • Saves space, good on top of surfaces to avoid clutter
  • Great in receptions, communal spaces & meeting areas
  • Add greenery to your workplace in a unique & stylish way
  • Modern alternative to fresh flowers
  • Terrariums make a statement and they are very unique & out-of-the-ordinary

4 Benefits of Terrariums

  1. These unique little planters create a peaceful atmosphere and can help reduce stress & anxiety by adding biophilic elements in the workplace (learn more about Biophilia & why it’s important)
  2. Increase productivity, creativity and happiness
  3. Employees are 15% more productive  when workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants
  4. Make spaces more welcoming and inviting for employees, visitors and clients.

Interested in how we can offer similar improvements for you?  Contact Us Today or Request a Free Online Quote. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for regular updates, inspiration and case studies.

Biophilia White Paper

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We spend a great chunk of our lives at work. For some, this isn’t so bad. Walk into a high-ceilinged workspace, filled with natural light, artwork and plant life and it’s more than likely your creative ability will be invigorated. Yet these offices are few and far between, with the reality likely being a drab, open plan office that sucks the creativity and enthusiasm from you the longer you spend there. The way we design our offices is important, from the big aspects to the small, from the obvious to the obscure.

This informative report is the result of research conducted by Where We Work, written by Jessica Andrews with input from Planteria Group.

Where We Work offers a focused range of workplace consultancy services, with the necessary tools and expertise to help understand your business, your people, and your place of work. Where We Work partners with clients to develop a robust workplace strategy by looking, listening and discussing how each company interacts with their space.

Biophilia is word that you’re going to be hearing a lot more of and it’s going to have an ever increasing influence on interior design and architecture. Yet many of us are probably unfamiliar with this term. This paper seeks to explain the concept of biophilia and its application in an office environment as well as investigating the potential benefits of plants in the workspace and why they are so often a forgotten element.

What is Biophilia?

Let’s start with the basics. What is biophilia? Simply put, it literally means ‘a love of life or living things’; stemming from the Greek word ‘philia’, meaning love. As humans, we have an intuitive and deeply ingrained connection with nature and a biological need for immersion in the natural world. The relationship between people and plants has always been profoundly important. Biophilic design is a response to this human need, which works to re-establish contact with nature in the built environment. Plants affect every aspect of our lives; without them life as we know it would not be possible. Plants not only make the air breathable, but kick off the food chain. We feel good in nature, if you were asked to picture a place where you feel calm and relaxed, chances are you would pick a scene involving nature. This is backed up by statistics which show that 90% of us imagine a natural setting when presented with this task (Mocha, 2013). Our mental and physical well-being depends on engagement with the natural environment, being in a drab room without windows and piped air makes us feel lethargic, even depressed.

A connection with the natural world is clearly important. Yet we are living in ever more urban environments, deforesting trees to build our cities around the globe. The increasing academic and organisational interest in biophilia and biophilic design is driven by the positive outcomes that it can help to create, for both individuals and businesses.

This increasing interest in biophilia comes at a time when, as a species, we are more disconnected from nature than we have ever been. Living in an inner city, one can go days without seeing a patch of grass. Living and working in central London, you have to actively search out areas of green, else it could be weeks before you escape the underground, sky scrapers and office spaces overlooking (you guessed it), yet more concrete.

At a time when businesses have more knowledge than ever before on the effect of work environments on their people and their bottom line, it’s surprising that the biophilic agenda is still in its infancy.

In its rawest form, biophilic design is the theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life and aims to continue a person’s connections with nature in man-made environments, such as offices, where we live and work every day. By mimicking natural environments in man-made ones, we can decrease our isolation from nature and create workspaces that are imbued with positive emotional experiences. (Human Spaces, 2015)

 

Bringing nature to work

Biophilic design brings an office to life. The benefits of biophilia stretch far beyond the practical benefits of recycling clean air.

Recent research into biophilia has found the positive impacts contact with nature can have. Studies have shown that this impact includes increasing academic performance amongst school children, increasing consumer’s willingness to spend and even reducing stress and anxiety before medical procedures. People exposed to natural surroundings are more energised, feel less stressed and have improved attention spans (Human Spaces, 2015) – all good news for employers. Recently, white papers such as ‘The Economics of Biophilia’ have shown us that natural materials in a workspace are not extravagances, but a way to make cost-savings and drive profits. (Terrapin, 2015)

Analysis has shown that individuals with a view from their desk of natural elements such as water, trees or countryside have greater levels of well-being that people who have a view of buildings, roads or construction sites (Human Spaces, 2015). However, one study found that just 58% of workers have natural light reaching their desk and 7% have no windows at all – a clear indication that the benefits of bringing nature to work are not appreciated or applied to the workplace nearly enough.

However, it is important to note that in some cases it is not possible to provide employees with views of nature. If offices are located in the centre of a large city, it would not be a practical aim to strive towards. In these cases, it is possible to bring nature inside. Introducing plants, trees, water fountains and images of nature are all ways to add a biophilic element to an office space, increase the connection employees have to nature and reap the benefits this sows.

This may sound like a daunting task, but bringing plants into the office space has never been easier. Help is also at hand in the form of companies with a wealth of knowledge into biophilia and its application in an office environment.

 

Planteria case study

So we know that plants make us feel good. But how does this feeling directly apply to the workplace? How does having plants in the office impact the bottom line and how can business maximise the potential benefits?

Planteria Group are a company specialising in planting services, with clients in many different sectors including corporate offices.  Established in 1977, Planteria have grown over the past 40 years and now provide a national service to over 900 sites across the UK.  They have seen an increasing appreciation of the importance of planting in the work place.

“We have seen a change in the attitude towards planting in the work place.  What was once considered a ‘nice to have’ is now more likely to be viewed as a ‘must have’ and this is very positive.  However, we still have a way to go in raising awareness of the importance of biophilia and the beneficial effects it has on people, improving wellbeing in the work place, especially with businesses outside of our major cities.  Yes, planting helps to improve productivity and creativity but most importantly it improves physical and mental health and creates a happier environment.  So much time is spent at work, creating the best possible environment for your people is paramount.

Plants and flowers do so much more than add the finishing touches to an interior they can create a completely different ‘feel’ to a location.  What was clinical and bland can be transformed into a vibrant, or more relaxing space.  Planting can also be used for practical benefits.  For example, a living wall or moss wall will improve acoustics by absorbing sound.  Cabinet top planting can cut clutter by removing the areas where people leave cups and folders or unclaimed printing.  Or add live planting dividers to get the benefits and attractiveness of plants whilst creating instant, low cost break-out areas and informal meeting spaces in open plan office.

As one of the first tenants to make their home in London’s Iconic Walkie Talkie building.  Insurance specialists, Lancashire Group were looking to buck the trend.  Their focus in establishing a single office for their combined Lloyd’s and London market operations was to move away from the more usual monochrome minimalism and instead opt for a warm, homely, fun atmosphere for the workplace, with soft furnishings and materials to create a look that managed to be both high-end and cosy.

Plants were an essential element to complete the interior and we chose them with care to reflect and enhance this concept.  We used bark containers in the client waiting area along with neutral white containers in the office and meetings rooms.  Succulent plants add a fun, contemporary touch to the breakout areas, and funky square cabinet top displays completed the fit-out.”

 

Biophilia and productivity

An all too common belief is that money spent on plants is money wasted (Dravigne et al., 2008). This is a sentiment that has been widely shared throughout history, where literature argues that clean, obstruction free work spaces are the most economical route to business health and productivity (e.g. Haberkorn, 2005).

The ‘lean’, rather than ‘green’, philosophy has a long history indeed. The idea that productive workplaces are those free from interference was formally put across by Josiah Wedgewood in the 18th century and it was this work which inspired Frederick Taylor (1911) to apply the principles of scientific management to office space.

In the wake of these findings, it is common for managers to insist that workspaces should be clear of plants, pictures and anything that is not directly required for the job at hand, in order to streamline operations and maximise productivity (Haslam & Knight, 2006). Yet doesn’t basing these assumptions on work that is over a century old seem a little foolish? Indeed, the workspace, the products and services we provide and the technology we use would be unimaginable to Taylor when he came up with his theories.

The evidence suggests that to neglect enrichment in the workplace is foolish indeed. Research by Knight and Haslam in 2010 found that people who work in an environment enriched with plants were more productive than their peers who worked in a lean space. Additionally, levels of wellbeing – measured by sick days, feelings of comfort and levels of job satisfaction – were significantly higher in the spaces containing plants. This study found the lean space to be inferior in all dimensions.

Why do plants have this impact?

Generally, studies into the impact of plants have indicated that we experience a beneficial psychological and physiological reaction from being exposed to nature. Physiological stress, or arousal (as measured by heart rate, blood pressure, and/or skin conductance) is often lower after exposure to plants and nature as compared with urban settings and exposure to nature has been shown to have the capacity to improve attention (Berman et al., 2008).

As it stands, there are three main classes of explanation for these responses. The first states that plants, as living organisms, have a beneficial influence on the climate of the working environment – in particular because they improve air quality. Indeed, when planted in sufficient quantity, indoor plants have been shown to remove many types of air-borne pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2014). In offices with plants, staff well-being increases and there is a reduction in sick leave (Bergs, 2002). Plants ability to absorb carbon dioxide also has beneficial implications for the office; studies have found that student performance declines with increasing CO2 levels (Shaughnessy et al., 2006), as does workplace productivity (Seppänen et al., 2006).

The second explanation of plants’ beneficial effects revolves around our evolution. Evolutionarily speaking, a green environment reflects the natural world and so supports human physiology (Appleton, 1975).

The third and final class of explanation moves away from physiological responses and instead considers the managerial consequences of enrichment. The basic premise of this theory is that enrichment of the workplace (whether through plants or other means) signals that attempts are being made by management to improve staff well-being (Vischer, 2005). This sense of managerial care communicates their focus on employee well-being, which may lead to increased attention at work, greater productivity and engagement and lower absence and attrition. Evidence supporting this idea comes in the form of a study by Dravigne et al. (2008), which showed that people working in offices with plants reported feeling happier in their job and their performance.

Additionally, this study emphasises the aforementioned point that transforming a lean office to a green one contributes not just to employee welfare, but also to profits and organisational output. Lean, it appears, is meaner than green, not only because it is less pleasant, but also because it is less productive (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2014).

When we’re happy and feeling good, we have a more positive outlook and are generally able to do more. There is clear evidence which directly links biophilia with organisational output. In a study of call centre workers, the numbers of calls handles per hour was 6-7% greater for those with a view of the outdoor environment, in comparison to those with no view. (Human Spaces, 2015)

It is clear that enriched spaces lead to improved job performance and greater productivity.  Yet of course, this idea that empowering organisational strategies have positive consequences is not new to either social or organisational psychology. Both of these disciplines benefit from massive literature supporting the notion that productivity and well-being can be enhanced by including employees in the decision making process and giving them a voice in their workplace (e.g. Eggins et al., 2002).

So, with this abundance of evidence pointing to the fact that enriched spaces make us happier and more productive, why are aspects such as plants not a feature in all modern office spaces?

The problem with the modern office

The way we structure our offices has changed considerably over the past few decades. More often than not, the world of the modern office is dominated by open plan. It’s not hard to identify why this change has occurred, the cost of space has sky rocketed and open plan provides a cost effective way to maximise the number of staff on the office floor. Yet the evidence suggests that the costs of open plan offices might offset the benefits of savings in terms of space if it is not implemented properly, as part of a multi-layered office design. They are often cramped, noisy and starved of light and some staff find themselves in the position of having no opportunity to express their identity at work – at all.

Studies across the pond have found that 70% of American workers personalise their workspaces. Yet it is managers and employees with enclosed offices who decorate more than their co-workers in open plan spaces (Wells & Thelen, 2002). In open plan spaces, personalisation of low-status working space is often infrequent and discouraged (Laing et al., 1998). The dominance of open plan offices means that the majority of staff now suffer from a lack of identity at work and a 2010 study by Knight & Haslam found that clean-desk policies resulted in high levels of personal identity threat, increased stress and a reduced willingness to contribute to company policy. This is thought to be due to the limited opportunities these staff had to express their personal identities, for example by decorating their workspace. Open plan offices themselves are not the problem, as they do have their benefits. However, it is important that offices be designed with the drawbacks open plan can have in mind and counteract these issues – for example by including quiet spaces, artwork and greenery.

A final thought…

The evidence that enriched spaces which involve employees in their design boosts morale and productivity is important. Perhaps most notably because it challenges the managerial models which argue the best way to manage is by removing autonomy and control from staff and having decisions come only from managers – as was noted by Bibby in 1996 (work which is still very relevant to academic research today). The fact that giving workers ‘some say’ in the design of their workspace is seen as ‘experimental’ indicates just how ingrained the ethos of managerial control has become.

At its core, the simplistic answer as to why plants are so often neglected lies with the individuals responsible for office design. The management of the modern office is typically influenced by architects, interior designers and facility managers, rather than by psychologists and office workers (Cohen, 2007). Managers need to move away from an autocratic style of management, towards a more collective approach to office design which involves staff at all stages of the process. Giving employees a say in the type of plants to introduce into a space is a great way to begin this movement.

The idea of incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design is less often seen as a luxury in the modern workplace, but rather as a sound economic investment into employees’ health, well-being and performance. Plants in the workspace can have a remarkable impact on employee well-being, both from the biological impact of their presence and the psychological benefit being involved in decision making can have. With this in mind, it seems that taking baby steps to introduce the natural world into the man-made one we have created around us, seems to be of the utmost importance to the well-being of office staff. It seems starkly apparent that green really is better than lean in all walks of life – and the modern office should be no exception.

Author: Jessica Andrews

References

Berman, M.G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19, 1207–1212.

Bibby, A. (1996). ‘Leeds: working life in Call Centre City’, updated from an original article in Flexible Working, August; http://www.andrewbibby.com/telework/leeds.html (last ac- cessed 27 June 2006). 

Cohen, L. M. (2007). Bridging two streams of office design research: A comparison of design/behavior and management journal articles from 1980–2001. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 24, 289– 307. 

Dravigne, A., Waliczek, T. M., Lineberger, R. D., & Zajicek, J. M. (2008). The effects of live plants and window views of green spaces on em-ployee perceptions of job satisfaction. HortScience, 43, 183–187.

Eggins, R. A., S. A. Haslam and K. J. Reynolds (2002). ‘Social identity and negotiation: subgroup representation and super- ordinate consensus’, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, pp. 887–899.?

Haberkorn, G. (2005). Improving flow in an office setting. In Productivity Press Development Team (Ed.), The lean office: Collected practices and cases (pp. 95–104). New York, NY: Productivity Press.

Haslam, S. A., & Knight, C. P. (2006). Your place or mine? BBC News Web site. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6155438.stm

Human Spaces. 2015. The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace. Available from: http://humanspaces.com/global-report/

Knight, C. & Haslam, S. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied American Psychological Association 2010, Vol. 16, No. 2, 158–172 1076-898X/10/$12.00 DOI: 10.1037/a0019292 

Laing, A., Duffy, F., Jaunzens, D., & Willis, S. (1998). New environments for working. London, England: Construct Research Communications. 

Mocha. 2013. What is Biophilia? And why you need biophilic design in your home. Available from: http://www.mochacasa.com/blog/biophilia-biophilic-design/

Nieuwenhuis, M., Knight, C., Postmes, T., & Haslam, S. A. (2014, July 28). The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied. Advance online publication.

Terrapin. 2015. The Economics of Biophilia. Available from: https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/economics-of-biophilia/

Wells, M., & Thelen, L. (2002). What does your workspace say about you.  Environment and Behavior, 34, 300–321.?

Moss Walls: Q & A

xNewsThumbResizex481 Greenery is much sought-after in today’s workplaces and within the hospitality industry, not only because it enhances a space visually, but it also has positive effects on health & wellbeing. There are numerous studies about boosting mental wellbeing, increasing productivity & creativity and for those in the Hospitality industry a new report indicates that having more greenery in reception areas can increase the amount of time spent in these areas, translating to more revenue generated for your business (Human Spaces Biophilic Design In Hospitality report). There are several benefits to choosing a moss wall in your workspace, including the fact that they are completely maintenance-free.  Working within facilities management, business & hospitality sectors, we can offer bespoke moss walls with your company logo or corporate colours and we can help you achieve the look you’re after, even in the smallest of spaces. Moss Walls are in high-demand, and we’ve asked our resident moss wall experts some questions to help explain what they are, how to look after them and more.   Q:   What is the difference between a moss wall and a living wall? A:   Living Walls are made up from live plants planted in modular compartments and require regular maintenance, with an irrigation system is built into the wall. Moss Walls are made from moss that has been preserved, so it won’t grow anymore, and it won’t decompose.   Q: How is the moss preserved? A: This is like asking a chef for a recipe!  The moss is usually preserved with glycerine.  The moss is then washed though using food grade type colourants, so not to be harmful in anyway, and to ensure the colour stays vibrant.   Q:   Do moss walls require water & light? A:   No, Moss Walls can go anywhere internally and no water or light is required.  This is one of the benefits of choosing a moss wall.   Q: What level of maintenance is required for a moss wall? A: No maintenance at all is required for Moss Walls other than a spot of dusting every now and then. (we recommend a feather duster)   Q:  How long does a moss wall last? A:  Moss walls are long lasting installations and will need the least care and repair if they are in lower traffic areas where they won’t get touched or bumped into.   Q:    What are my choices for a moss wall? Are there different types and colours of moss?   A:  The moss we use is available in 16 different colours, and we can create client logos or other patterns in the walls if desired (as seen in the photo above).   Q: Where can it be installed, is it suited to some environments more than others? A: Moss can be installed in any interior location, for aesthetic enhancement and/or for sound absorption.  They are not recommended for exterior use   Q:   What are the benefits of a moss wall?   A: Moss walls can help with noise reduction, they require minimal maintenance, they add greenery and a biophilic design element, help increase productivity & creativity, adds a feel-good factor to those in the space, promotes calmness and wellness and much more.   Do you have other questions not listed here?  If so, let us know so that we can answer them for you. Request your FREE quote for a moss wall today: https://www.planteriagroup.com/free-quote/

The Secret to Happiness at Work

golden Labrador puppy

We hear about it all the time; it could be you or it could be a colleague, but someone that you know, somewhere right this second, is currently complaining about their line of work. What we are asking ourselves in this blog, is how much of this unhappiness is self-imposed, and what can we possibly do to help ourselves learn to love life (including work) a little more?

Happiness is a State of Mind

Happiness comes easier to some people than it does to others – it’s a simple fact. It’s a bit like losing weight; not everyone finds achieving the perfect figure a breeze, and for some of us, trying to feel happy and upbeat can leave us feeling more tired than a full workout.

Just like reading blogs about work-out tips and tricks to take to the gym, you can’t simply read advice about how to improve your level of happiness and expect to see the benefits without putting the work in. This blog will provide you with a happiness training regime for your mind, however, it’s up to you to act on it and find what works.

How to Wake-up Happy

We all have those days where we ‘get out of the wrong side of the bed’ – when the bed is just too warm, it’s cold outside, and you know you have a difficult day ahead of you how can you reduce the chance that you might start your day off on the wrong foot?

Get More Sleep

The first question to ask yourself is how you have been sleeping? Good sleep is crucial to having a positive attitude, so you should begin your path to happiness by working out how many hours of sleep you get and how it makes you feel in the morning. Everybody functions differently on different levels of sleep, so don’t let anyone else tell you what the norm is, because it is something best figured out for yourself.

On average, women need more sleep than men, and younger people need more sleep than older people. Your personal requirement for optimal function will also be affected by the amount of physical and mental stresses of your week. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

In today’s society, it can be difficult to recognise sleep as productive, but it is important to challenge this misconception. Achieving the right amount of sleep for you will improve your productivity, confidence and general health – what could be more productive than that?

woman on bed looking out of window

Assess Your Sleep

Sleep isn’t merely a matter of hours spent in bed, unfortunately. The quality of your sleep is important too. If you wake up in the middle of the night, then your quality of sleep is arguably less than that of someone who successfully sleeps the whole night. If this is you, then try to establish a better bedtime routine. Winding down physically and mentally, and switching off electronics the hour before you plan to turn in, also avoiding caffeine in the evenings are helpful moves.

Warm baths before bed, good ventilation in the bedroom and also having houseplants like English Ivy or a Peace Lily for their air-purifying abilities can help some people.

Get Up Earlier

Getting up earlier can also work wonders to make you feel more positive and set the tone for the rest of your day, putting you in control of your morning. Perhaps your usual morning starts off in a bit of a rush to get out of bed, get dressed, finding last minute items that you need for your day, taking children to school, skip breakfast, grab coat, lock door and rush to work. It sounds a bit stressful, doesn’t it?

Getting up even half an hour earlier will allow you to get out of bed in a more relaxed manner. You will be less likely to forget important things while you are getting prepared for the day ahead. Most importantly you will have time to enjoy your breakfast, rather than just trying to eat it as quickly as possible or worse still, skip it. Breakfasting on healthy things like whole grains and fruit and including some protein, eggs for example or a protein smoothie, will set you up for the day and help to support a positive mindset. A quick carb and sugar breakfast of cereal or white toast and jam sends your blood sugar on a roller coaster of a quick high and then crash and burn

Just by finding the right amount of sleep to get and re-setting your morning routine, you can improve your mood and well-being at the start of your day. The next challenge is how you take that state of mind to work and keep it there.

Getting to Work Happy

Getting to work happy can be a challenge, especially when the traffic is bad. One way to offset this is by driving with the window open. Recent studies have found that stuffy environments with high CO2 levels can make people feel tired, which we want to avoid. By walking, cycling, or driving with the window open, you are increasing your exposure to fresh air in the morning, which is more healthy for your body and mind. You can read more about the importance of good air in our blog:Indoor Air Quality: Facts & How To Improve.

If you can walk or cycle to work this is great news because regular exercise is excellent for your body and mind too. Exercise brings transformative change to your brain, promotes a feeling of well-being and calm and releases endorphins – chemicals which make you feel really good and lifts your spirits.

If you are in the car, singing or listening to music is also recommended. A 2013 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who listened to upbeat music could improve their mood and boost their happiness significantly in a matter of just two weeks.

woman cycling to work

How to Stay Happy at Work

Arriving at work presents the most challenging barrier between you and your happiness, because there will be factors that you can’t always prepare for, like a sudden crisis requiring you to work overtime or a difficult situation with something that saps your energy and patience. Finding happiness at work can be a test of resilience, but there is plenty you can do to improve it.

Keep Your Energy Up

At work, you will appreciate those extra hours of sleep and your pleasant morning routine all the more, because you will have more energy to deal with problems once they arise. This means that instead of buckling under pressure, you will be more likely to be productive and successful in the morning.

Many people find happiness from being productive and successful, so utilising tips to make the most of your day can help you to achieve more. Getting yourself organised can help a lot, but so can regulated and healthy snack breaks to rest your mind.

As well as perfecting your daily habits to promote productivity, you should also consider the environment that you work in, and maybe even consider changing seats in your office. Sitting next to people who can motivate you and with whom you can get along is another crucial factor to enjoying your day at work. You need to be with people who can pick you up when things go wrong or in the afternoon when your energy is lagging a little.

the right hands of 8 people making a circle with fists

Workplace Environment

For some people, an untidy desk can be distracting; Junk food wrappers, stationary and random bits of tat can distract workers. This doesn’t mean that empty desks are the answer, however; improving your happiness by adding some beautiful office plants will bring many benefits to your workplace.

Office plants provide not only aesthetic improvements that are known to boost creativity in offices. The ‘Biophilia Hypothesis’ is the much-studied theory that human beings have an innate connection with nature, and that our connection to plants, flowers and other natural features in our environment contributes to our health and wellbeing. Having a view of plants in the workplace makes people more relaxed, less stressed, up to 15% more productive, and more creative than being in a workplace devoid of them.

Plants can also reduce levels of CO2, which, as previously mentioned, can have a negative impact on workers’ energy, productivity and health. A green office is a healthy office, and a healthy office is a happy office. We recommend the peace lily, snake plant or areca palm to craft the ultimate office atmosphere. You can read more about The Top 5 Plants for Your Office on our blog, or contact us for a free quote if you are interested in getting a bespoke design service for your office with us.

Add more fresh air to your day by going outside for a walk in nature, by taking a lunch break, breathing deeply and getting more exercise. You might be tempted to work through lunch, eating a sandwich at your desk, but you’ll be more productive and energised by taking a break and getting active.

coffee cup, plant and a laptop

Finding happiness is all about how you treat yourself and finding the willpower to keep good habits going. It might not be easy for you to put all of these methods into practice – we understand how hard it can be to put your phone down and go to sleep – but a bit of sleep, a better diet, some more exercise and a few plants can make a world of difference.