Biophilic design and office planting: a case study of effects on perceived health, well-being and performance metrics in the workplace

ABSTRACT The philosophy of building ‘lean’ workplaces, to maximise occupant performance, has seen a stripping away of nature within built environments. However, the biophilia hypothesis indicates that a severance in human connection with nature can lead to significant reductions in health, well-being and performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether introducing and removing living plants within an office environment can affect occupants’ perceived health, well-being and performance metrics. 40 occupants took part within a modern office building with 2 potted plants per person introduced into individual offices, and 8 in break-out spaces. Changes in occupants’ perception were tested using questionnaires. Whether the location of planting impacted measured parameters and occupants’ workplace satisfaction was also investigated. Introducing plants into offices had significantly positive effects on occupants’ perceived attention, creativity and productivity; plants’ removal elicited significantly negative effects in perceived attention, productivity, stress and efficiency. Planting had no significant effect on perceived health, tiredness, motivation or well-being. Furthermore, interactions with plants during break times had no significant effect on perceived performance metrics. This study showed occupants to have improved satisfaction with their overall workplace environment when they have physical and visual access to plants within their offices and break-out spaces.