The Benefits of Having Large Office Plants

Are you in a large open plan office? Finding noise a problem? Finding privacy a problem? 

Plants can help. 

Having large office plants in your office is a great way to create interest in large open plan offices, reduce noise and create natural dividers for your workspace. 

What are the benefits of large office plants

Improved air quality

Large office plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and releasing oxygen. Plants like Kentia Palms and Weeping Figs are particularly effective at filtering pollutants, creating a cleaner and healthier workspace.

Plant can help with mental wellbeing

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), plants in the office can significantly boost mental wellbeing.

The presence of greenery has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased overall happiness among employees.

"The presence of houseplants has already been linked to reduced health complaints and sick leave in work environments. Houseplants have been shown to reduce stress levels, particularly in buildings that lack contact with nature. Offices containing plants are perceived as more attractive and are associated with higher job satisfaction." RHS Houseplants for Wellbeing

Increased productivity

Studies have shown that employees working in environments with plants are more productive. By up to 15% according to a study by Exeter University conducted back in 2014.. 

The study headed up by Dr Craig Knight said that employees performed mych better in a space with some plants, rather than a "toxic" spartan workplace. 

"If you put an ant into a ‘lean’ jam jar, or a gorilla in a zoo into a ‘lean’ cage – they’re miserable beasties. People in “lean” offices are no different." Dr Craig Knight, quoted in Planteria

Having vast open plan offices with no nature or no greenery has actually been found to be bad for wellbeing. 

"Our research suggests that investing in landscaping the office with plants will pay off through an increase in office workers’ quality of life and productivity. Although previous laboratory research pointed in this direction, our research is, to our knowledge, the first to examine this in real offices, showing benefits over the long term. It directly challenges the widely accepted business philosophy that a lean office with clean desks is more productive." Marlon Nieuwenhuis, Cardiff University’s School of Psychology

Large office plants offer a touch of drama and beauty

As well as being beneficial, large plants can also add to and enhance the design and feel of an office.

This green aesthetic improvement can make the office space more attractive to both employees and visitors.

Office plants can help reduce noise

The large leaves of office plants can help absorb sound, reducing background noise and creating a quieter, more peaceful work environment. This is particularly beneficial in open plan offices where noise can be a real distraction for people. 

What large office plants would we recommend?

Here are some top choices for large office plants that can transform your workspace:

Kentia Palm

Known for its elegant fronds and easy care, the Kentia Palm is a perfect choice for adding a touch of tropical elegance to any office.

Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)

This versatile plant can thrive in various light conditions and is excellent for improving air quality.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)

With its large, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a statement plant that can instantly elevate the look of your office.

Monstera Deliciosa

Popular for its unique, split leaves, the Monstera adds a bold and modern touch to office décor.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Reginae)

This striking plant with its large, banana-like leaves can bring a vibrant, exotic flair to your workspace.

Large office plants are more than just decorative elements; they can be "tools" to help you create a healthy, productive, and aesthetically pleasing workplace.

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Check out our latest project at Belfast Printworks, installing large architectural plants for this restoration project. The result was a lush, inviting environment that not complemented the furniture and the style of the building.