Workplace Plants Help Relieve Winter Blues

Workplace Plants Help Relieve Winter Blues

It's easy to get the winter blues, especially at work. We spend a lot of time at work, so it is important to feel happy and get the balance right. The cold weather and reduced daylight hours can leave us feeling down at times. However, a natural remedy that can improve our mood and well-being is office plants. Adding plants to the office space will help boost the loyal staff. No company like to loose key members of the team. Imagine if you don't have plants and one of your most valued staff hands in their notice due to stress. Their new office includes plants, which means a lot to them and being calmer in their day-to-day environment. 

We've listed 5 ways plants can help:

Plants Connect Us with the Outdoors: In the middle of winter, when the UK temperature drops, getting out of bed becomes a bigger task before you've even set off to work in the dark. Indoor plants serve as a vital connection to the outdoors. The greenery and sometimes the smell of plants remind us of a calmer place. Which alone is a positive place to be.

Purify the Air: 99% of the time we seal our windows in winter and crank up the central heating, which can lead to poor air quality. Did you know Plants, are natural air purifiers? Yes, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while also removing toxins and impurities from the air. Breathing cleaner air can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and energy levels. With the increased energy levels you might even notice people going to the gym after work.

Create a Calming and Inviting Space: The presence of plants softens the atmosphere of an office. This can reduce stress and anxiety levels among employees, creating a more inviting and comfortable environment for everyone. The most common cause of stress is work-related stress at a whopping 79% in 2023. 74% of people feel so stressed they are overwhelmed. 16% say they started to smoke which all adds up to time away from their desk. 13.7 million working days are lost each year in the UK because work work-related stress, anxiety and depression costing £28.3 billion a year. A high percentage of stress is due to workload and just by adding loads of plants to a space doesn't mean the stress goes away. The workload sadly can still be there, however, the right amount of plants will reduce the stress and 54% have agreed that the right amount of stress enables them to thrive.

A sense of accomplishment: Taking care of plants can become a rewarding hobby and a form of self-care during the winter months. Watering and nurturing your office plants can sometimes provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose which can help reduce stress. On the other hand, it can cause extra stress to the carer and seen as just another job they don't have time for. Best solution is to leave to a professional maintenance team to keep your plants as healthy as possible. Think about vehicle maintenance we can all try to do a service on our own car or motorbike but can we all do a good job? No, and it is less stressful when a professional car garage takes care of your vehicle and gives you peace of mind. Job Done!

Do plants listen: Well, we've not had a two-way conversation with one yet, but one thing we do know is they are non-judgmental "listeners" which can be surprisingly comforting. Whether you're venting about a tough day or sharing your achievements, your office plants are there to lend a sympathetic leaf.

Now we know plants can help in winter.

Which ones do people choose? 

1. Bromeliad Summer: These tropical plants add a burst of colour and flair to your workspace. Once they bloom it's a cheerful reminder of warmer days.

2. Parlor Palm: A beginner's choice that thrives in low-light conditions, making them perfect for office spaces with limited natural light.

3. Bromeliad Pineapple: These plants are known for their looks and long-lasting flowers. Their unique appearance can be a great conversation starter.

4. Money Tree Forest: Money trees are believed to bring good luck and prosperity so it's best to go all out and have your very own small forest of them.

5. Christmas Tree: A festive tree in the office always increases people's mood. Imagine an office with no Christmas tree. If that's the case Bah humbug, we say!

Incorporating plants into your office during the winter months can make a noticeable difference in your mood and productivity.