Throughout the years, there have been numerous scientific studies pertaining to the positive effects of plants in the office. Since our workspace is typically stripped of the connection to the natural environment, it’s a good idea to sprinkle some greenery here and there.

According to La Residence, the concept of tending to indoor plants dates back all the way to the ancient Greeks and Romans. But it wasn't until the 1980s, according to Harvard University Press, when biologist Edward Wilson, published his philosophy that 'our natural affinity for life--biophilia--is the very essence of our humanity and binds us to all other living species’ that it became widely accepted.

Attention Restoration Theory (ART)

Working with this idea of biophilia, modern psychology has developed two helpful theories, the Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) believes that environments can promote renewed attention by providing individuals with the sense of being away, fascination, and surrounded by elements that promote a sense of survival. Essentially, ART acknowledges that when we give ourselves a direct attention break and shift into effortless forms of engagement, we can thrive.

Stress Reduction Theory (SRT)

Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), on the other hand, notes that there are restorative environments that can reduce stress levels and help people recover from mental fatigue. In other words, worry and anxiety can be eased in certain natural environments. Natural and green designs take both these theories into account to create environments that can offer people some of the beneficial effects they get from being in nature.

Today, we still acknowledge the positivity plants provide in the office. For stressed out and distracted workers returning to the mothership, this research is especially interesting and relevant. Plants in the office environment can play a big role in helping ease the transition back to work.

Researcher Ruth K. Raanaas of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences agrees with Wilson’s theory. She claims that her research on indoor plants shows that they are a simple and cost-effective way to keep workers satisfied and focused. Her research found that participants at a desk with flowers and plants showed higher focus and task attention than those sitting at an empty desk. Those with a plant and window experienced an increased cognitive boost. Most people spend a large portion of their life in an office space. For Raanaas this means that small plants "may have practical significance when aggregated over employee and time of employment.”

Other research tells us that when it comes to the number of plants in the office, less might be more. A high density of plants in the office saw a general decrease in office productivity. Even though more research still needs to be done, the current literature points to small lightly scented plants as the best for wellbeing.

Other Companies That Have Invested in Biophilic Design

The CRM Platform company, Salesforce knows the benefits of investing in biophilic design. Earlier this year they announced their investment in The Trailblazer Ranch working space. After two years of remote working due to the pandemic, the Salesforce team recognized that this space was important for their team to come together and connect. The hybrid work model they offered their employees made it possible for workers to tend to their families and avoid excessive commutes and contaminations. The Trailblazer Ranch located among breathtaking Redwood trees in Scotts Valley, California looks like a camp for adults. The idea was to create a working space that their employees would want to spend time in. Trailblazer Ranch uses biophilic design to increase productivity, morale, and connection.

The CRM Platform company, Salesforce, understands the importance of investing in biophilic design. Earlier this year they announced their investment in The Trailblazer Ranch working space. After two years of remote working due to the pandemic, the Salesforce team recognized that this space was important for their team to come together and connect. The hybrid work model they offered their employees made it possible for workers to tend to their families and avoid excessive commutes and contaminations. The Trailblazer Ranch located among breathtaking Redwood trees in Scotts Valley, California looks like a camp for adults. The idea was to create a working space that their employees would want to spend time in. Trailblazer Ranch uses biophilic design to increase productivity, morale, and connection.

Tips For Choosing Promotional Plant Products

You don’t have to build a resort to channel the positive effects of biophilic design. Providing small desktop grow kit plants and a reasonable amount of plants among the common office space for your employees offer great benefits. Matt Wagner, our sales representative from Sprout Tyme, recommends that companies should choose herb and vegetable seeds instead of flowers for their to grow kits.

"The reason being is that then you have a whole other touchpoint with that product." Essentially, when you give someone a mint, basil, or oregano grow kit you not only get to see it grow but you can harvest it as well. This adds to the positive sense of accomplishment that comes with completing something and reaping the benefits after.

Sprigbox Mint Grow Kit

as low as $14.84

• Eco-friendly
• Save on Setup

Oregano Growables Planter In Kraft Gift Box

as low as $1.79

• Eco-friendly
• Save on Setup

Ideas for Using Grow Kits and Seed Paper

A fun and engaging way to incorporate greenery in the office is by hosting a grow kit competition. You can give your employees a mint grow kit in hopes of getting their seeds to achieve "fulfill-MINT." If appropriate, how about rewarding the top three participants with a mojito or julep made from their harvested mint?! You can even throw in a grand prize if you combine this competition with a company sales or marketing challenge.

Deciding what closing gift to get your clients can be tricky at times. Material items can get a little dull due to the sometimes lack of thought that goes into them. A great gift idea, however, would be a Forget-Me-Not seed paper/planter kit. These beautiful blue bloomers represent loyalty and respect. They're also among the most inexpensive promotional materials available. According to Farmer's Almanac, when you give someone these blue beauties, it represents a promise that you will always remember them and will keep them in your thoughts. What a nice way to tell someone you appreciate them!

How You Can Get Growing

At AnyPromo, we know it’s critical to tend to employees' needs and keep them satisfied. You can do something small but significant with custom desktop plants. We have an array of desktop plants that are easy to grow and can be customized with your business logo. Call or message one of our representatives to help you bring some fresh life into your office or business workspace! Check out our other blogs to see more recommendations for your clients or employees.