You may have heard of the term “biophilia,” but what does it mean exactly? It was first coined by German-born psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Erich Fromm.
But the concept of biophilia wasn’t explored until the 1980s when American biologist Edward O. Wilson wrote a book called Biophilia. In it, he argued that humans have an innate need to connect with nature and other life forms. This need is essential for our mental and physical well-being.
Since then, biophilia has been gaining traction in the business world. More and more companies are incorporating elements of nature into their office design to create a more productive, healthy, and happy workforce. If you’re considering renovating your office space, here are four reasons you should consider making it biophilic.
Improved Productivity
A study by the University of Exeter found that workers in offices with plants were 15% more productive than those without plants. The presence of plants has also been shown to reduce absenteeism by up to 70%.
One possible explanation for this boost in productivity is that plants help improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also help reduce noise levels and create a more pleasant temperature. All of these factors create a better working environment which, in turn, leads to higher productivity levels.
Increased Creativity
Another study found that workers in green offices were more creative than traditional ones. The study asked participants to develop new uses for everyday objects such as paperclips and rubber bands. Again, those who were in an office with plants came up with significantly more ideas than those who were not.
It’s believed that being around nature allows us to tap into our “right brain” thinking which is associated with creativity, intuition, and imagination. So if you’re looking to increase creativity in your workplace, incorporating elements of nature is a great place to start.
Lower Stress Levels
It’s no secret that work can be stressful. But did you know that being around plants can help reduce stress levels? A study by Washington State University found that employees with plants on their desks had lower heart rates and stress levels than those without.
It’s believed that being around plants helps us feel calmer and more relaxed because they provide a visual connection to nature which helps us feel grounded. Conversely, when we feel stressed, our bodies enter into “fight or flight” mode, which can negatively affect our health. So if you want to create a good workplace for your employees’ mental and physical health, incorporating plants is a great way to do it.
Improved Health Overall
Studies have also found that being around plants can help improve our overall health. For example, one study found that patients who had plants in their hospital rooms recovered from surgery faster than those who did not have plants in their rooms. Another study found that students with plants in their classrooms had lower rates of sickness than those without.
It’s believed that the presence of plants helps improve our immune system because they help filter out harmful toxins from the air. They release negative ions, which have been shown to positively affect our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. So if you want to create a workplace that promotes employee health, adding some greenery is a great way to do it.
There are many reasons why you should consider renovating your office space to include biophilic design elements. Incorporating elements of nature into your office design is a great way to create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. Here are ways you can start doing it.
Incorporate Plants into Your Office
One of the most obvious ways to bring biophilic elements into your office is by incorporating plants. Not only do they improve indoor air quality, reduce noise levels, and help make the office more comfortable, but research has also shown that they boost productivity and creativity.
Use Natural Materials
Another way to bring biophilic design into your office is by using natural materials to construct the space. For example, you could use sustainable floorings such as bamboo or cork or replace plastic surfaces with wood. If you need someone to install these materials, consider hiring an experienced commercial contractor to do the job. They can help create a sustainable office space that’s both beautiful and healthy.
Consider Daylight Exposure
You can also introduce biophilic elements through exposure to daylight. Natural light has improved mood, energy levels, and productivity, so consider adding windows or skylights to your office’s design to let in more light. You can also use daylighting fixtures that help mimic natural sunlight by filtering it through several tubes into the room.
Incorporating biophilic elements into your office space is a great way to create a healthier, more productive workplace. Whether containing plants, natural materials, or daylight exposure in your design, the benefits are clear and well worth the effort.
