Office plants can boost your work performance by 15%

The plants in our office died on a Tuesday. Nobody noticed until Friday. We were too busy optimizing our calendars, upgrading our project management software, and attending meetings. The dead plants sat there, a brown and wilted reminder of what happens when you forget to look up from your screen.

Recent research proves what many of us knew instinctively – adding plants to your workspace leads to better performance. A study across offices in the UK and Netherlands showed that employees working in spaces with plants report 15% higher productivity than those in plant-free environments.

Sometimes productivity isn’t about working faster but remembering to water your plants.

The science behind plant power

Research from the University of Exeter and other institutions reveals three main benefits of office plants:

Higher concentration levels
Better perceived air quality
Increased job satisfaction

The research team found that employees become more involved in their work – physically, mentally, and emotionally – when plants are present in their workspace.

Simple steps to green your workspace

Want to increase your productivity with plants? Here’s how to start:

1. Choose the right plants

Pick low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos
Select plants that thrive in your office lighting conditions
Start with 1-2 plants and add more gradually

2. Place plants strategically

Put one plant within your direct line of sight
Add plants to meeting areas to improve group focus
Position larger plants in open spaces to clean the air

3. Maintain your green coworkers

Create a simple watering schedule
Clean leaves monthly to remove dust
Check soil moisture weekly

Benefits beyond productivity

Plants do more than help you work better. Research participants also reported:

Reduced stress levels
Better attention spans
Higher overall happiness at work
Improved air quality
Enhanced workplace satisfaction

Real results from the research

The study showed remarkable findings:

A 15% increase in productivity after adding plants
Significant improvements in workplace satisfaction
Better self-reported concentration
Enhanced perceived air quality

Expert recommendations

Dr. Craig Knight from the University of Exeter notes that this research changes our understanding of workplace design. The results show that minimalist, plant-free offices may work against productivity goals.

Kenneth Freeman, an interior landscaping expert, emphasizes that companies should consider plants as investments in employee well-being and financial success.

Making it work long-term

To maintain the benefits of office plants:

Create a care system

Assign plant care responsibilities
Set up watering reminders
Monitor plant health

Adjust and improve

Replace struggling plants
Add more plants as needed
Update care routines

Adding plants to your workspace is a simple, science-backed method to improve your work performance. The research shows clear benefits for employees and organizations, making it a smart investment in productivity and well-being.

Resources

Why plants in the office make us more productive (Article)

Office plants can boost your work performance by 15%

The science behind plant power