What is biophilic office design?
Biophilic office design is an interior design style that incorporates nature into workspaces, fostering a calming and productive atmosphere for employees.
The design style taps into our innate desire to connect with nature, and when done effectively, can reduce stress and improve employee wellbeing.
What is a green office?
Adopting these biophilic designs, a green office takes it one step further by supporting sustainability across operations. This can include finding efficient electrical appliances, going paperless, and recycling, amongst other initiatives to reduce environmental impact.
Not only does this support your business and save money, but it also helps attract and retain talent who value businesses working towards positive change.
Creating a biophilic office means more than just dotting a few indoor plants around your workspace. Here are the five building blocks for crafting effective green office spaces.
Lack of natural lighting can negatively impact our circadian rhythms – an internal clock that regulates our nervous system. Studies show that the fluorescent lights commonly used in offices can disrupt concentration, productivity and mood.
Encouraging natural light into your workplace prevents these problems and can support employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
Introducing plants to your workplace boosts happiness, from small windowsill and desk plants or hanging plants to floor-to-ceiling greenery. The green additions can have a lasting impact on your employees’ satisfaction. Take a look at the plants we use to elevate workplaces here.
Imitation plants can also have similar impacts without needing constant watering and nurturing.
Think wood, stone and bamboo flooring, walls and furniture. Creating tactile diversity and warmth with natural materials truly connects an office to the outdoors.
For added sustainability, opt for recycled materials to drive initiatives and create a working environment that feels and does good.
Air pollution is a problem indoors and out, so relying on plants in the office to help reduce airborne toxins can be just as effective, if not more so, than mechanical air filtration.
While cleansing the air your employees work in, it improves the oxygen-to-carbon dioxide ratios in your office, which can positively impact employees’ mental health and stress.
If you have windows, use them. Plan your office flow so that the spaces where employees spend most of their time have the best outside views.
For those with the space to work with, designing indoor courtyards or rooftop gardens can be a nice way to bring some joy to employees’ day-to-day lives.
