Walking into the modern office, one might notice a vibrant change: greenery is taking over, adorning desks, windowsills, and communal areas. This trend, known as biophilic design, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthier, more engaging environment. In a recent article published by Knight Frank’s “Office Insights” team, the benefits of biophilic design are clearly set out and were spearheaded by the tech giants in their bid to attract and retain top talent. Amazon’s head office in Seattle includes rope bridges and treehouses, streams and green walls; it includes thousands of plants strategically placed to encourage employees to think creatively.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co., we’ve observed this shift and adapted our premium cleaning services to support it.

Understanding biophilic design

In simple terms, biophilia is the human need to connect with nature. Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built environments, aiming to connect people more closely with nature. This approach has numerous advantages:

Reduced sickness and absenteeism and improved staff retention Greenery in the office has been linked to lower rates of sickness and absenteeism. By creating a healthier atmosphere, plants help reduce the number of sick days taken by employees. In terms of employee retention, improving the office environment is said to boost staff loyalty across all generations, with this being even more evident among younger employees (Raconteur)​.

1. Reduced stress and enhanced wellbeing Plants in the workspace are proven to reduce stress and promote health and wellbeing. The presence of greenery helps create a calming environment, making employees feel more relaxed and at ease (MDPI).
2. Increased productivity, creativity, and happiness Studies have shown that plants can boost productivity and creativity. Employees working in green environments report higher levels of happiness and job satisfaction, leading to improved performance and innovative thinking (Knight Frank).
3. A more inviting environment Plants and flowers make the office more inviting for both employees and visitors. A green, vibrant workspace is more welcoming and can positively influence the first impressions of clients and guests (Planteria).
4. Improved air quality Plants improve air quality and reduce allergens by cleansing the air. They filter out toxins, which can decrease symptoms of fatigue and discomfort, leading to a healthier indoor environment (Built | The Bluebeam Blog). According to research by the US Joint Commission, 40 percent of all sickness absence is due to indoor air pollution or poor air quality. As Philippe Pare, design director at architecture and design consultancy Gensler, says: “Improved air quality has to be up there as one of the biggest benefits of biophilic design as it plays an important role in reducing absenteeism, which is a huge business cost.”
5. Branding and Image A biophilic design not only enhances the physical workspace but also strengthens the company’s brand. A commitment to a green office reflects a company’s dedication to sustainability and employee wellbeing, which can attract talent and clients alike (Raconteur)​.