Incorporating nature in your office will improve employee productivity, reduce ‘nature-deficit disorder and boost employee well-being.

Human beings have an inherent rapport with nature. But although we are often aware of how important it is to protect our outdoor environment, we sometimes forget about what’s happening indoors. An average employee spends 35% of their total waking hours in the office. An office that is devoid of a meaningful connection with nature starts to affect its staff. If you’re seeking to reduce this ‘nature-deficit disorder’ and boost employee output and well-being, incorporating nature in your office is a good strategy to improve employee productivity.

What are the Symptoms of ‘Nature-Deficit’ Disorder?

We spend an estimated 90% of our time indoors and up to 35% of our time in the office. A sterile, greenery-free office can impact its occupants greatly. According to one study: 

  • Presentism is the act of employees being mentally ‘checked out’ of their jobs and workplaces. According to one study, this state of mind can cost private sector employers $938 per employee and $1,250 per public sector employee. 
  • Negativity rose 20 – 40% in employees who worked in an environment with no plants. 
  • 10% of employee absences can be linked to a lack of nature’s presence. 

What are the Benefits of Adding Nature to your Office Design?

In simple scientific terms, flowers and plants through the process of photosynthesis, absorb the carbon dioxide released in the air and release oxygen thereby purifying the air. On breathing in purified air, the result is increased happiness, mood boosts, and concentration among employees.

Office design experts have also determined:

“…those who work in “environments with nature-inspired elements” are 6% more productive, 15% more creative and have a 15% higher level of well-being; and workers surrounded by natural elements also report higher levels of job satisfaction and overall happiness.”

Want to learn more? Read more in our natural office series: