Work from Home Blues? Try Adding a Little Green

The growing popularity of plant care-taking has recently become the latest trend in things to do during quarantine, following the long line of trends like dalgona coffee, YouTube home workouts, and baking in general. Although this may be just something to pass the time for some, plants actually pose a number of benefits, especially to those in work environments.

The reason plants are put in office spaces are not simply for decorative pieces alone, but to create a relaxing atmosphere that enhances morale and encourages collaboration. A study by the University of Twente have cited that being surrounded by nature increases concentration, decreases attention fatigue, and ramps up productivity by 20%. Larissa Murphy, one of the leading design minds in KMC’s newest Podium space, notes that although people love to make man-made environments, we as humans are essentially a part of nature. Therefore, being surrounded by natural elements naturally help us thrive and bring a peace of mind, despite being in an urbanized environment.

Employees are now spending a majority of their time inside enclosed spaces to keep away from distractions, chatter, and the other people and family members with whom they may share a home with. This can leave workers feeling restricted and uninspired, similar to sitting in an office cubicle all day.

However, the presence of greenery can transform even the tiniest of spaces into a creative and collaborative habitat that give a sense of comfort and an all-around healthier atmosphere. The appearance of biophilic colors like greens, yellows, and browns is said to have a soothing effect on people and can additionally help to improve eyesight, especially if one is staring at a screen for long periods of time.

The incorporation of greenspaces in offices have long been a design trend meant to benefit workers that one can easily translate and do at home, being fully utilized in helping workers become more engaged with their routine and surroundings.

So, if one is thinking of hopping onto the latest plant bandwagon that have been dominating social media lately, now is the best time to do so especially if you’ve recently been experiencing a work-from-home slump. With a lot of employees quartered in their bedrooms and home offices, a little greenery can go a long way in bringing in a new focus to wellness and driving motivation.