Beyond Aesthetics: The Real ROI of Plants on Workplace Wellbeing

February 13, 2025 Kate Higham

Remember the last time you walked in the park and suddenly felt your shoulders drop, your breathing slow down, and your mood lighten?

That’s not just a coincidence—our brains and bodies are wired to respond positively to nature. In fact, studies show that simply being around greenery can help reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve overall wellbeing.

But here’s the kicker: many of us spend most of our day cooped up indoors, especially if we’re working a 9-to-5. That’s why bringing plants and other elements of nature into the workplace has become increasingly popular. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment where people feel good, work well, and actually enjoy being in the office.

In this post, we’re delving into the fascinating world of biophilic design, exploring the science behind why plants are important for workplace wellbeing and sharing practical ways to incorporate greenery into your office.

Why workplace wellbeing matters more than ever

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of leaves, roots, and soil, let’s discuss why workplace wellbeing is such a hot topic.

Over the years, we’ve seen a massive shift in how people view work. A job is no longer just a paycheck; it’s a place where we spend a considerable chunk of our time—oftentimes more than we do at home when you factor in commuting. Companies have started to realise that happy, healthy employees are more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stick around. In short, work wellbeing has tangible benefits: fewer sick days, higher morale, and a better bottom line.

And guess what? Bringing nature indoors is one of the most straightforward, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing ways to boost wellbeing. A simple potted plant can do more than just look pretty: it can help clean the air, reduce noise, and remind us that life isn’t all about spreadsheets and deadlines.

The power of biophilic design

Biophilic design, a term you’ve likely encountered, is not as complex as it may sound. It's simply about integrating natural elements into our homes and workplaces. This could be as straightforward as adding a few plants, inviting natural light, incorporating organic shapes, or even using natural materials like wood and stone. It's an accessible and effective way to create spaces that connect us to the earth, even if we’re several floors up in a city office.

But why is this important?

Well, humans evolved to exist in nature. For thousands of years, humans were hunters, gatherers, and farmers. We spent our days surrounded by plants, trees, and fresh air. Only relatively recently have we been cooped up in concrete buildings under fluorescent lights. Biophilic design taps into our innate craving for the natural world, helping us feel calmer, happier, and more inspired.

When done right, biophilic design can give a stiff, formal corporate building the relaxing vibe of a forest retreat. Who wouldn’t want to come to work in a place like that?

The science behind plants and workplace wellbeing

Still on the fence about the power of plants?

Let’s get a bit nerdy for a moment. Several studies confirm that adding greenery to an indoor environment can have measurable benefits 👇

Reduced stress: Simply looking at a plant can help lower your blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Improved air quality: Plants naturally filter harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, improving the air you breathe.
Boosted productivity: Research suggests that employees working in offices with plants can be up to 15% more productive. Who doesn’t want that extra edge?
Enhanced creativity: A burst of green in your peripheral vision can stimulate the mind and spark ideas.

Plants are more than just decorative elements. They're like a tiny natural army, working day and night to keep you healthier and happier. They ask for very little in return—just a bit of water, some light, and a little TLC now and then. But in exchange, they provide a significant boost to your wellbeing, making you feel protected and cared for in your workplace.

Types of green spaces in the workplace

We’ve all seen the occasional pothos draped over a cubicle divider or a sad little cactus perched on a window sill. But modern workspaces have gone way beyond that. If you want to upgrade your office’s green game, here are some fresh, forward-thinking ideas to spark your creativity.

	Living walls If you’re looking for a “wow” factor, look no further than a living wall (also known as a vertical garden). These are plants grown vertically on specialised panels. They can be installed in office lobbies, conference rooms, or even common areas. Not only do they save space, but they also create an eye-catching, floor-to-ceiling green feature that turns heads and lifts spirits. The benefits: It maximises greenery without taking up valuable floor space. It significantly improves air quality because more plants are doing their purifying work. It is a real conversation starter, which can be a fantastic branding opportunity if you host clients in your office.
	Micro gardens No space for a full-scale living wall? No problem. Micro gardens are compact, manageable, and perfect for smaller offices or desks. Think tiny terrariums, miniature succulent collections, or small herb gardens near the canteen or office pantry. This is a low-commitment, high-impact way to bring a slice of nature to every corner of the office. The benefits: Easy to maintain and super adaptable to different office layouts. Herbs can be picked and used for office cooking or even for a little aromatherapy session—imagine a sprig of fresh mint in your afternoon tea! They encourage personal ownership. Employees can tend their mini garden, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the workspace.
	Communal garden spaces If you have the luxury of extra room—maybe an unused corner or a rooftop—consider creating a communal garden area. This doesn’t have to be big; even a small patch of artificial turf surrounded by planters can work wonders. Provide seating so people can unwind, have informal meetings, or take a break in a semi-outdoor environment. The benefits: Encourages socialising and relaxed collaboration, which can boost team morale. Offers a change of scenery. Sometimes, stepping away from the desk is enough to shake off mental cobwebs. It fosters a sense of community and shared pride. People are more likely to care for shared green spaces if they see the benefits firsthand.
	Indoor tree zones Who said trees are only for parks and forests? Indoor trees, such as the fiddle-leaf fig, rubber tree, or even small citrus plants, can be grown in large pots in office corners or open areas. They provide the feeling of an indoor oasis and are surprisingly easier to maintain than you might think. The benefits: Creates a striking focal point that can anchor the design of the entire office floor. Trees can be excellent at air purification and also help with noise reduction. Gives people a sense of scale and that “wow” moment—there’s something magical about seeing a tree growing indoors! 😍

How to create green spaces in the workplace

So, you’re sold on the idea of a greener workplace, but where do you start? Transforming a workplace into a mini botanical garden can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. Here are some practical tips from our experience to make the transition smoother 👇

Start small and build gradually: Don’t try to turn the office into the Amazon rainforest overnight. Pick a few easy-care plants—like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants—that can survive various lighting conditions. See how your space responds and how your team likes it. From there, you can add more ambitious elements like living walls or large planters.
Match plants to light conditions: This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people place a sun-loving succulent in a dark hallway and wonder why it’s not thriving. Observe your office’s light patterns throughout the day (yes, Ireland’s cloudy days count!) and pick plants that suit the conditions. North-facing windows get minimal direct sunlight, while south-facing ones typically get a lot.
Delegate plant care (or hire help): If you’re planning an office-wide green transformation, you’ll need a plan for ongoing maintenance. Consider creating a “plant team” of volunteers who enjoy caring for greenery, or hire a professional service if you have a larger setup. Consistent watering schedules, proper fertilisation, and regular check-ups for pests or diseases are crucial.
Use technology to your advantage: Automatic watering systems, hydroponic setups, and even self-watering pots can eliminate much of the guesswork in plant care. If your team is super busy, this can be a game-changer in keeping your plants alive and well.
Mix up plant varieties: A variety of plants can create a dynamic environment—think trailing vines, upright statement plants, hanging planters, and maybe even a few unique flowering specimens for pops of colour. Diversity isn’t just pretty; it also helps ensure that if one plant doesn’t do well, you’re not left with an entirely brown office.
Consider allergies and sensitivities: While most people will be thrilled to have more green around, some might be allergic to pollen or strongly scented flowers. To keep everyone comfortable, choose hypoallergenic varieties or plants that don’t produce much pollen.

Ready for a greener, happier workplace?

If you’re feeling inspired (and maybe just a tad overwhelmed) by the possibilities, don’t worry. At Plant Store Ireland, we’re all about making the journey to a greener workplace easy and enjoyable.

Whether you’re dreaming of a show-stopping living wall or just want to start small with a curated selection of desk-friendly plants, our mission is to help you find the right fit. We advise everything from choosing plant types that match your light conditions to setting up maintenance plans so your new leafy friends don’t end up wilting in a month.

We’re also big believers in tailoring solutions to your office culture.

💭 Do your teams love hands-on projects? 👉 We can help you create interactive green spaces that staff can enjoy together.

💭 Prefer a no-mess, no-stress approach? 👉 We take care of the entire process, from consultation and installation to maintenance.

We’d be thrilled to discuss the benefits, costs, and creative options with you so you can decide which option best suits your vision, budget, and brand.

For a free consultation & quote, reach out to our team today at: