I’VE read a lot of tips sharing how placing a plant on your office desk can make you more productive. I haven’t put this to the test yet, but I am curious as to how it can help one work better. I have some theories.
Is it the color green perhaps that makes you productive? Nature’s greens are very relaxing yet energizing. Perhaps your stress levels will go down by having a vibrant companion by your side. And no, I don’t mean your talkative colleague.
Is it the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange that makes one more productive? Breathe in, breathe out. Relaaax. The air would be much clearer and you’d get to save on those sick leaves.
Is it that having a living ally by your side makes you feel better? The workplace can be messy and negative on some days. Having a plant at your table can act as support. You care for it well, it blooms accordingly. You prepare a project plan, you’re not assured it goes through. At least you’ve got your growing plant to make you feel better. Just be sure it’s not plastic.
Is it that it can inspire you to be creative? Dress up its little pot. Put the plant in a funky mug. Prune the leaves and stems. Shine those leaves. If you have a grasshead, try different hairstyles. Then get back to that ad you’re trying to write before your boss makes your gardening job official.
These are all just my theories. One more thing, it makes your desk look good! The drab whites and greys of your office desk come alive with just a little pot of green. It’s an instant picker upper. Now if only you could do something about the piles of paper in your inbox. Go grab a plant now and see if you can be more productive!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Plants also lift office morale, as noted in our article - even in the first 5 minutes!
http://www.greendesign.com.au/documents/indoor-plant-hire-improves-office-morale.htm
July 8th, 2007 at 11:51 am
This is a nice article to encourage people to have plants in the workplace. Actually there have been some scientific studies on people-plant relationships. The link below is just one: http://www.plantscapes-officeplants.co.uk/htmlsite/office-plants-improve-productivity.pdf This particular study focuses on the effect of indoor plants on worker productivity and stress in a windowless environment. I myself have live plants both in my study room and office and it helps enliven/refresh my study/working environment.
The Philippines has a diverse array of native plants which can be used as indoor plants. One of the hardy ones (shade tolerant) is the Aglaonema or Chinese evergreen.
July 8th, 2007 at 10:08 am
[...] Happy Nest: Plants: The office cheerleaders [...]
July 7th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
[...] Happy Nest: Plants: The office cheerleaders [...]
July 6th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Ya. It not only looks good on your office desk but also on your home’s sink, study table, side table or even your center table or kitchen! It’s one of the cheapest home accessories. It’s like bringing nature inside your home or your office or even your laboratory…