Sparse. Minimalist. Clean. These are some of the characteristics of a lean office. The philosophy behind having a lean office is that it’s believed that workers are more productive when there are clean surfaces with less clutter to obstruct workflow.
However, as more studies emerge on the positive effects of green buildings and green decor on employee health and overall well-being, we are seeing a shift towards less “lean” and more “green” office design.
Why have a green office?
Green offices incorporate natural elements such as daylight and plants to reduce stress levels, which ultimately leads to happier and more productive employees. By adding just one plant to an employee’s workspace, it can increase productivity by 38% and decrease absenteeism by 50%
Plants purify the air of dust, bacteria and impurities released by furnishings, paint and plastic materials. This leads to improved air quality, which reduces symptoms such as dry skin, sore throats and headaches and has the added benefit of reducing air conditioning costs.
A by-product of the photosynthesis process in plants is a reduction in carbon dioxide levels in the air, producing increased oxygen and leading to greater concentration levels.
Because of our evolutionary origins, humans innately seek connection with other forms of life from the natural world; this is known as biophilia. Gone are the days of concrete jungles and bare décor as architects and designers are embracing biophilic design in their projects.
For example, having greenery in a space provides a sense of relaxation to clients and employees because plants enable us to perceive our surroundings better.