How Office Plants Boost Employee Productivity: Research and Data
This is not about aesthetics — it is about numbers. Research shows that green offices achieve measurably better results. Let us look at the data.
What the research says
The effect of nature on human psychology and performance is not just intuition — it is a well-documented area of research. Key studies:
Exeter University (2014, 2015)
A study by Professor Alex Haslam at the University of Exeter followed employees in offices with and without plants. Results: offices with plants achieved a 15% increase in productivity measured by objective work performance indicators. Employees in green offices showed greater satisfaction, better concentration and lower job dissatisfaction.
NASA Clean Air Study
NASA research from 1989 (updated 2016) showed that certain indoor plant species (pothos, sansevieria, chamaedorea) can absorb formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. Cleaner office air directly correlates with fewer headaches, better concentration and lower absenteeism.
Human Spaces Report (2015)
A global survey of 7,600 workers across 16 countries found that 58% of employees say nature in the workplace increases their wellbeing. 47% feel that direct contact with natural elements increases their creativity. Nature in the office ranked second among factors affecting workplace wellbeing — just behind natural light.
Journal of Experimental Psychology (2014)
Research compared employee performance in "lean" (minimalist) vs. "enriched" (including plants) offices. Employees in enriched environments were 17% more productive and showed better memory and cognitive performance.
How plants specifically work
They reduce stress levels
Looking at greenery activates the parasympathetic nervous system — lowering heart rate and cortisol levels. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology (2015) found that even brief contact with an indoor plant measurably reduced physiological stress.
They improve air quality
Plants increase air humidity (dry air causes fatigue and respiratory irritation) and absorb CO₂. Offices with higher CO₂ concentrations (above 1,000 ppm) show reduced cognitive performance — more plants help maintain lower values.
They reduce noise
Plant leaves and substrates absorb sound waves. Larger plants and green walls can reduce noise levels in open-plan offices by 5–8 dB — a noticeable difference for communication and concentration.
Which types of spaces benefit most
- Open-plan offices — plants as natural acoustic barriers between workstations
- Meeting rooms — greenery reduces stress during meetings
- Reception and lobby areas — first impressions and wellbeing for visitors
- Breakout zones — natural elements support creative thinking
How many plants are enough?
Research suggests an optimal ratio of one medium-sized plant per 9–10 m² of working area to achieve a measurable effect on air quality. For the psychological effect, visible greenery from the workstation is sufficient — ideally at least one plant within 3 metres.
From theory to practice
The easiest path to a green office is plant rental — no purchase investment, no care worries, with guaranteed replacement. Read more about biophilic design in the office or request a free consultation.