Biophilia describes the relationship between humans and nature; biophilic design works to enhance the connection to nature in our everyday environment, essentially bringing the outside in. It is not always practical to fill your office space with lots of plants and greenery, but there are smaller changes that can be made which are fairly easy to incorporate into the workplace.
Natural light levels
Natural light is the most desired element in the workplace yet many offices still have no access to daylight. There are ways to get around this issue such as using LED sky panels within a suspended ceiling to simulate natural daylight and lighting that replicates natural light patterns.
Outside spaces
If you have outside space available make sure you maximise this and provide comfortable seating so that staff can work outside- weather permitting.
Colour schemes
Enhancing colour in the workplace has a positive impact on wellbeing, so make sure you include bright colour schemes and eye catching artwork whilst avoiding dull or plain colours.
Natural materials
Using elements such as wood and stone will help to mimic the outdoor environment and bring variety to the look and feel of the space.
Plant life
Plants increase oxygen levels and subsequently improve concentration and decrease mental fatigue.
Benefits of a biophilic workplace
When plants are introduced either in pots or in the form of living green walls, air quality can be significantly improved. This is not just because of the increased oxygen levels but also because the plants will absorb pollutants, toxins and airborne microbes such as mould spores and bacteria from the atmosphere. This all helps to improve the physical health and wellbeing of staff and reduce days lost to sickness.
As well as improvements in physical health, visible connections to nature have a positive impact on stress levels, morale and creativity. According to the UK mental health charity Mind, being in green spaces or bringing nature into everyday life can help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress or anger making people feel calmer.
Apart from the obvious increase in oxygen levels, business owners can expect to see increased productivity through the introduction of biophilic elements. UK based study ‘The Relative Benefits of Green versus Lean Office Space’ found that those who worked in offices with natural greenery saw a 15% rise in productivity over a three-month period.
Maintaining & improving the office environment has been proven to boost feelings of loyalty within the workplace and in turn increase staff retention rates. This is because it proves the employer cares and is invested in the happiness of their staff. Having a well thought out, attractive office space with biophilic features shows who you are as a company and will help attract and retain the best talent.
How we can help
Here at Gravity Office Interiors we have access to the best tools for incorporating biophilic design into the workplace and with over 40 years experience in the industry we can ensure that you are getting the best possible performance from your workplace. We plan, design and build exciting office spaces to help your company thrive. From initial consultation through to full office fit out and refurbishment, our in-house team provides the personal touch to ensure every project is delivered on time and on budget. To find out how we can transform your office space, click here.
