The secret to returning employees to the office: discover the breathtaking power of biophilic design
Chris Lunn • Jun 04, 2021

Biophilic design doesn’t only make workspaces look incredible - it can revolutionise productivity, wellbeing, energy & attendance at work.

As businesses look to return workers to the office, the question of how to make workplaces inviting, productive and safe places has become an extremely important one. With many workplaces asking workers to come in to the office for a few days of week or leaving the choice to return totally open, the issue for businesses now is making their office space one comfortable enough to rival that of the home - which so many workers will now be used to - in order to incentivise employees to populate the office once again. 

When looking for an effective way to maximise the sense of wellbeing, comfort, and calm inside an office space, you need look no further than Biophilic Design. 

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilia is a ‘love of life or living systems’; an understanding that nature is biologically and psychologically beneficial to us. Biophilic design aims to correct the perceived wrongs of the last century or so of architecture, which saw buildings being used to separate us from nature. By incorporating nature and natural elements into a building’s overall design, biophilic design helps to foster a healthier mindset, better wellbeing, and even improved productivity, and counter feelings of isolation, tension and lethargy.

Productivity can be increased by 8% and well-being by 13%. Green design also reduces levels of absence.

How do I incorporate Biophilic Design into my office space?

Biophilic design has been increasingly popular amongst our clients over the years. As businesses begin to really prioritise employee wellbeing, the stark and uncomfortable offices of the past are being phased out. It’s our job to demonstrate how plants and nature can be incorporated into office space while keeping the building professional and practical.

Here are some examples of how biophilic design can be used:

  • Planter units on top of storage to create calming natural areas.
  • A Living Wall - covered in real plants or artificial plants as a striking, and energy-saving, addition to the office.
  • Plants as dividers between different work areas, for a creative use of space.
  • Dried moss throughout the office for a low-maintenance natural touch - these can even be branded or shaped in the company logo.
  • Artificial or dried plants used throughout the space to capture the benefits of biophilic design without the maintenance.

These small changes can have a huge impact on your employees. These are just some of the benefits of biophilic design*:

  • Increased positive feelings and reduced feelings of anxiety, anger and sadness.
  • Reduction of sound levels
  • Reduction of stress levels
  • Control of humidity to the within the optimum levels for human health
  • Cooling effect
  • Absorption of carbon dioxide and emission of oxygen refreshing the air
  • Improved concentration levels leading to improved productivity particularly with those working with computers
  • Reduction of absenteeism in the workplace
  • Faster recovery from mental tiredness
  • Interiors feel spacious, looked after and clean
  • People prefer to occupy rooms that contain plants
  • Improved image – interiors are perceived as more expensive

While not being the only way to make your employees feel more comfortable at work, biophilic design is certainly one of the most effective. Contact us today to discuss a full fit-out, refurbishment, redesign, or office consolidation. Please also browse our Projects page to see the fantastic spaces we have revolutionised in the past.





* Source: Oasis Plants, https://oasisplants.co.uk/the-air-purifying-benefits-of-indoor-plants/.

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