How Biophilic Design Can Improve Your Workday.
The Benefits of Incorporating Nature into the Workplace
We were talking to a client last week about recent trends and started to explore the subject of Biophilic Design. A subject matter our friends at PLN Group have identified as providing measurable benefits to the humans exposed to it in work, education and health spaces.
During the discussion with our client, we could sense the sceptic coming through and without the time to explore a 30min presentation on the subject, we thought it best to provide a resource for the subject matter as this design approach is increasingly uncovered.
Before you read this post, here are a couple of resources;
Biophilic Cities (including Wellington)
Are you tired of feeling drained and uninspired at work? Did you know that incorporating nature into your workplace can help boost productivity, creativity and overall well-being? Biophilic design is a concept that harnesses the power of nature to create healthier, more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments. In this blog post, we'll explore how biophilic design can transform your workday for the better by improving air quality, reducing stress levels, increasing concentration and much more! Discover why bringing the outdoors in could be the key to unlocking your full potential at work.
Introduction to Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is an approach to incorporating nature into the built environment. It is based on the premise that humans have an innate need for contact with nature and that this need can be met by designed spaces that connect us with the natural world. There is growing evidence that biophilic design can improve physical and mental health, cognitive function, and creativity.
There are many ways to incorporate biophilic design into the workplace. One way is to bring plants into the office. Plants not only improve air quality, but they also boost mood and concentration. Another way to create a more biophilic workplace is to incorporate natural light and views of nature into the office design. If possible, office workers should have access to outdoor spaces where they can take breaks in nature. Finally, using materials and textures that mimic nature can also help create a more biophilic workplace.
Implementing biophilic design in the workplace can have many benefits for employees. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; improve mood; increase productivity; and promote creativity. Biophilic design can also lead to increased employee satisfaction and engagement, as well as reduced absenteeism.
Benefits of Incorporating Nature Into the Workplace
There are a growing number of studies that suggest incorporating nature into the workplace can have a positive impact on employee health and well-being. For example, one study found that employees who had access to natural light and views of nature reported higher levels of satisfaction with their work environment.
Incorporating nature into the workplace can also help to improve employee productivity. One study found that workers who were exposed to natural light experienced an increase in task performance and overall well-being. In another study, employees who had access to plants in their workplace reported higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of stress.
So what are some of the specific benefits of incorporating nature into the workplace? Here are a few:
Improved Employee Health and Well-Being
As mentioned above, there are a number of studies that suggest incorporating nature into the workplace can have a positive impact on employee health and well-being. For example, one study found that employees who had access to natural light and views of nature reported higher levels of satisfaction with their work environment.
Increased Employee Productivity
Another benefit of incorporating nature into the workplace is increased employee productivity. One study found that workers who were exposed to natural light experienced an increase in task performance and overall well-being. In another study, employees who had access to plants in their workplace reported higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of stress.
Examples of Companies That Use Biophilic Design
There are a number of companies that have implemented biophilic design in their workplaces with great success. One such company is Interface, Inc., a global leader in the design and production of carpet tiles. Interface was one of the first companies to incorporate biophilic design into their workplace, and they have seen significant improvements in employee productivity and satisfaction since making the switch.
Other companies that have successfully implemented biophilic design into their workplaces include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook. These companies have all reported increased employee productivity and satisfaction, as well as decreased absenteeism and turnover rates.
Steps to Implement Biophilic Design in the Workplace
There are many ways to implement biophilic design in the workplace. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Bring in plants: Plants not only improve air quality, but they also boost mood and productivity. Place them in areas where employees spend the most time, such as near desks, in conference rooms, and in reception areas.
Use natural materials: Incorporate wood, stone, and other natural materials into your office design. These materials can be used for floors, walls, furniture, and décor.
Let in the light: Maximize natural light exposure by using skylights and windows. This will help improve employee mood and connectedness to nature.
Add water features: The sound of running water can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Consider adding a water fountain or fish tank to your office space.
Create outdoor spaces: If possible, create outdoor spaces that employees can enjoy during breaks or lunchtime. These could include rooftop gardens, patio areas, or walking trails
Challenges of Implementing Biophilic Design
Designing workplaces that incorporate natural elements can have a positive impact on employee health and productivity, but there are some challenges to consider when implementing biophilic design.
Cost is often a barrier to incorporating nature into the workplace, as green features can be more expensive than traditional building materials. Space is also a consideration – not all workplaces have the room to add features like living walls or rooftop gardens. And finally, maintenance must be taken into account – plants need regular care in order to thrive indoors.
Despite these challenges, biophilic design is worth considering for any workplace looking to create a healthier and more productive environment for employees.
Conclusion
Incorporating biophilic design into the workplace can have a positive impact on both employee morale and productivity, making it an important factor to consider when designing any office or work environment. Not only does incorporating nature into your workspace help reduce stress levels, but it also helps to improve focus and creativity. Furthermore, biophilic design can increase overall well-being in employees by creating a calming atmosphere and helping people feel more connected with the natural world. With these benefits in mind, companies should take advantage of this type of design to create better working environments for their staff.