Whether
it is a single plant on each desk or a lush common
area atrium, the calming psychological aspect
of interior plants has never been so acutely necessary
in the workplace environment. No longer just a
pretty face, plants are hard at work “de-stressing”
offices throughout the world.
Plants
can decrease stress while enhancing productivity
by as much as 12 percent.
Office anxiety levels are high as our current
economy and security uncertainties place added
stress on workers. According to research conducted
by marketing research firms, Integra Realty Resources,
New
York City, and Opinion Research Corp. International,
Princeton, NJ, one out of eight workers has called
in sick because of workplace stress.
It
is widely known through the respected research done
by Dr. Roger S. Ulrich of Texas A&M University,
College Station, TX, and Helen Russell of University
of Surrey, West Sussex, as well as the recent studies
conducted by Dr. Virginia Lohr of Washington State
University, Pullman, WA, that plants significantly
lower workplace stress and enhance productivity.
For
example, Lohr’s study took place in a simulated
office setting. A computer program that tested
productivity and induced stress incorporated 100
symbols, and time-measured readings of participants’
reactions were taken as they reacted to the symbols.
Blood pressure readings, emotional states, and
pulses were also measured during the experiment.
The
presence or absence of plants was the only variable
that participants experienced. When plants were present,
they were positioned so that a cluster would be in the
peripheral view of each subject sitting at a computer
terminal, without interfering with the subject’s
activity. Lohr’s study showed that participants
who worked in the presence of plants were less stressed
and as much as 12 percent more productive than those
who worked in an environment without plants.
The
results, which indicated an influence of plants on blood
pressure, are consistent with research conducted by
Ulrich showing that visual exposure to plant settings
has produced significant recovery from stress within
five minutes.
As
many performance-based incentives to enhance employee
productivity also give rise to stress, the ability to
raise productivity while lowering stress is extremely
valuable. Progressive human resource executives and
facility managers cannot afford to ignore such an efficient
method of human asset management.
According
to human resource experts, in order to attract and retain
top employees, the workplace must include aspects of
what inspires those employees during their “off”
time. Gallop polls indicate that two-thirds of the American
workforce cite gardening as their favourite hobby. Perhaps
this “green thumb” passion explains why humanizing
the workplace with green plants is a highly effective
method of promoting employee satisfaction.
