I read in The Sunday Star that employees in offices with windows and plants were happier and more satisfied than those without. (This post in in conjunction with today being World Environment Day, in case you didn’t know.)

What’s interesting is that we have BOTH in Redbox Studio.

In our office, small as it may be, we have 7 potted plants of various types (chlorophytums, lady palms, pothos and more). Not only does having leafy plants make the office bright and inviting, the plants really do make us healthier by detoxifying our office air. (Plus we also have our salt lamp to imbue negative ions into the air to counteract the positive ions from our computers! Negative ions aren’t really negative - they’re good for us!)

Plus we have windows on two sides of the walls so we can appreciate the outdoor immensely. It helps that we face the vast green campus of USM which of course has lots of old trees, shrubs and grass.

I’ve always wondered why some offices are so dank and depressing. Now I know why. Either they don’t have plants or they use fake plants! I’ve seen fake plants in The Penang Adventist Hospital. That’s quite strange because I believe a hospital should be full of fresh energy and having plants is the simplest way to implement that.

Here’s more reason to have plants in your office (if you’re already not convinced that having live plants are great for you, your health, your staff’s health):

* plants help clean air emitted by modern office equipment such as computers and photocopiers
* plants help make employees healthier by curing itchy eyes, headaches and nausea
* plants boost work productivity
* plants are attractive and soothing thus reducing stress
* plants help create a positive company image
* plants reduce carbon dioxide levels
* plants absorb noise and cut down distractions in the office (the office is more tranquil)
* plants keep air temperature low (which means it’s cooler)
* plants cut down sick leave expenses
* plants boost moisture levels and keeps the office air comfortable
* plants cut down dust levels
* plants enhance creativity
* plants help shoppers buy more (great for malls!)
* plants help you learn better

Now that you know plants are a must-have for the office, which plants are best? Here’s a resource which helps you choose the top 10 plants for your office. Most websites recommend Dwarf date palm (very useful for removing toxins), Bamboo palm, Janet Craig, English ivy, Weeping fig, Peace lily, Areca palm, Corn plant, Lady palm (good but not the best at removing toxins).

You can read more at:
Healthygreenatwork.org
Plants-for-people.org

To your green success,
Nic