How plants can be your workspace super secret.

I have a secret weapon in my battle with productivity & creativity in my workspace. It's my plants! Ok, I haven't turned in a hippy who hugs trees, but I have read the recent research into plants and productivity and I think should consider bringing that green back into your workspace if you haven't already.

Plants and productivity

Lead researcher Marlon Nieuwenhuis, from Cardiff University's School of Psychology, said: "Our research suggests that investing in landscaping the office with plants will pay off through an increase in office workers' quality of life and productivity. They estimated from a streamlined office devoid of plants to adding plants can increase productivity by15%. (research here) .

I really just thought plants were just good to look at but it appears there is so so much more to them.

Plants and creativity

Not only does productivity benefit so does creativity. I guess I suspected this when I went camping and would be inspired to do art and drawing.

When you look at the colour green for two seconds before a task, according to Dr Stephanie Lichtenfeld, can boost creative output. It is called the "green effect" She thinks it is because it serves as a pscyhgological cue for the feeling of growth and striving for improvement. (Her research can be found here)

Another amazing reason to have some green around your workspace. Not only does your productivity and creativity benefit so does your air quality meaning less days off sick.

Plants and air quality

According to LiveScience.com scientist studied the air-purification capacities of indoor plants and found that plants can absorb other gases as well as carbon dioxide, including a long list of volatile organic compounds which have been linked to asthma, nausea and respiratory illnesses.

So, how do we tap into this amazing super power of plants. Nasa has done some studies and determined (NASA studies) roughly one plant per 100 square feet of floor space could help cleans the air of indoor pollution.

I think it is time to rethink your workspace. Can you see a plant next to you now? If not, consider the potential of 15% better creativity and productivity, let alone an increase in your air quality. I'm off to the markets to buy some more plants. Now hopefully they will do some studies on how not to kill them, as I do not have a green thumb.