How do plants help create offices that attract people?

Changing work models and the associated expectations of employees have influenced a shift in the traditional concept of the office. Office space arrangements are evolving, becoming more flexible and capable of dynamically adapting to the needs of people and modern business. How can you create an office where people want to work and will do so effectively?

In a world where technology allows us to connect from any location, and recent years have cemented the remote working model, offices must offer more than just four walls and an ergonomic workstation. Working from home continues to enjoy unflagging interest among employees, but working in an office, even in a hybrid system, also has many supporters. People appreciate the opportunity to meet face-to-face at the company, and they miss the energy and creativity that comes from direct contact with the team. At the same time, they value the time savings associated with, for example, commuting to the company’s headquarters, which they can use for personal or family matters and to slow down the pace of their daily lives a little. Office buildings have not disappeared and will not disappear – however, the layout of the space must keep pace with changes in reality in order to continue to attract people. Let’s also remember that offices are not only a place of work, but also a place that shapes the identity and image of the company among both employees and customers. So how do you create an office that will be a magnet for talent and people who have spent a long time working from home? How can plant walls help with this?

FEAR OF RETURNING – WHAT ARE WE AFRAID OF AT THE OFFICE?

It is worth openly considering what we fear about returning to the office after months of remote working. Employees are concerned about what they had to deal with when working on-site: crowds, noise, and sitting at a desk for eight hours. The prospect of daily commutes from different parts of the city, the need for formal attire, and the loss of a certain degree of independence and flexibility are becoming overwhelming. Office refitouts can go a long way toward addressing these concerns and sending an important signal from employers that they are taking their employees’ needs into account and understand the challenges of working in a shared space.

REFITOUT, BIOPHILIC DESIGN, WELL BEING

The right office design, where a balanced working environment and physical and mental health are prioritized, attracts talent, but also motivates and increases the commitment of existing employees. Architectural solutions that reduce noise, provide a sense of privacy, and meet ergonomic requirements are the basis for finishing an office space that promotes efficiency. Appropriate air quality and humidity, the ability to change position during the day, and spaces for regeneration significantly increase comfort. Coworking areas help to build a diverse environment that stimulates the exchange of ideas and experiences, while separate areas for individual work offer conditions for concentrated work. Thoughtful design is also important, as it not only makes the room attractive, but also has a positive effect on our mood, stress levels, and creativity. Biophilic design is a trend that is eagerly introduced in modern offices not only because of its high aesthetics, but also its functionality.

GREEN WORKPLACE – HOW DO PLANT WALLS IN THE OFFICE ATTRACT PEOPLE?

Biophilic design is a design approach that focuses on connecting people with nature, including in office spaces. Introducing live plants and natural materials, and ensuring adequate daylight in the office, brings benefits in the form of improved employee well-being and efficiency. The presence of nature improves concentration and minimizes stress among employees. Plants near the workplace have a soothing effect on the eyes (which are focused on a computer screen for hours) and regulate the activity of the nervous system. Short, regular breaks surrounded by greenery can effectively recharge your batteries – calm you down, refresh your mind, add positive energy, and boost creativity. Plants also break up the austere character of the office and help to create a cozy space that we associate with the warmth and comfort of a home environment. Introducing greenery into the design allows us to transfer the home office atmosphere to office spaces to a certain extent, even when we have a large open space at our disposal. How can you green your office so that it brings benefits – improves the quality of the working environment and the daily functioning of employees in the company?

IS WELL DESIGN WORTH IT?

A company that is mindful of optimizing recruitment and absenteeism costs, but also strives to attract talent and retain valuable employees, will consider investments in wellbeing not only profitable, but necessary. Refitting office space is, in fact, one of the key tools for retaining people and attracting employees who will feel comfortable in the office and work effectively and with commitment.