5 Reasons to embrace biophilic design in your office fit-out for enhanced employee wellbeing

David Shaw

Apr 12, 2023

As the modern workplace continues to evolve, prioritising employee well-being and productivity is becoming increasingly important for businesses to stay competitive. One impactful approach gaining traction in office design is biophilic design, which focuses on integrating plants and other natural elements into the work environment. In this article, I will explore five compelling reasons why incorporating biophilic design into your next office fit-out can significantly enhance your team’s well-being and overall work experience.

1) Improved air quality

An immediate advantage of including plants in your office fit-out is enhanced air quality. Plants are natural air purifiers, removing toxins, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and increasing oxygen. Certain plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours, leading to a healthier work environment with better indoor air quality. This helps minimise respiratory issues and the spread of airborne pathogens, making for a safer workspace.

2) Improved wellbeing

Incorporating plants and natural elements into your office design can significantly impact your team’s well-being. Workspaces enriched with plants have shown a 15% increase in employee well-being and a 6% increase in productivity. By fostering a more relaxing and calming atmosphere, stress levels can be reduced, creating a happier, healthier workforce.

3) Increased productivity

Beyond improving employee well-being, biophilic design can also boost productivity. Introducing plants into the office has been shown to reduce employee stress levels and increase productivity by up to 12%. Providing a more stimulating and engaging environment encourages employees to feel motivated and focused, resulting in higher levels of efficiency.

4) Creativity and collaboration

Plants and natural elements can help spark creativity and collaboration among employees. Biophilic design elements, including plants, can enhance cognitive functioning and stimulate creative thinking. Creating a more inviting and visually pleasing workspace encourages employees to think more creatively and engage in spontaneous conversations, leading to innovative ideas and solutions.

Positive brand image

Embracing biophilic design in your office fit-out can help establish a strong and positive brand image. Showcasing your commitment to sustainability and employee well-being can attract and retain top talent while appealing to environmentally-conscious clients and partners. The commercial real estate market is increasingly valuing green building practices, including biophilic design.

Conclusion

Biophilic design is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful way to create a healthier, more productive, and more inspiring workspace. By incorporating plants and other natural elements into your office fit-out, your organization can experience the numerous benefits associated with connecting to nature. Consider giving your office a breath of fresh air and embracing biophilic design for your next fit-out project to support the well-being of your team.

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