The biophilic approach in offices is guaranteed to reduce stress

Emphasizing overall employee wellness and health is becoming the norm amongst office space managers. Creating a space that gives employees a sense of relief instead of inducing stress is good for increased productivity and motivation— a win-win for all involved.

This is called the “biophilic” approach, stemming from the work “biophilia” that means “love of nature.” Cubicle offices are outdated and can have an impact on health and mental well-being. Humans have a strong connection to nature, so to bring the outside world into an office space is bound to develop a positive work environment and spark creativity.

Many workspaces are bringing nature into their offices with the use of large windows with views and incorporating materials such as wood and stone to create an ease of mind.

“In fact, research into the health benefits of biophilic designs, carried out by Bill Browning, founding member of the US Green Building Council’s Board of Directors, and Sir Cary Cooper, CBE Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University, found an overwhelming increase to employees’ wellbeing,” according to bqlive.co.uk.

Implementing greenery indoors has been known to contribute to health benefits such as reduced stress, blood pressure levels, heart rates, whilst increasing and improving productivity, creativity, and air quality. Additionally, a study by the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that introducing one plant per square mile in the workplace could increase productivity by 15%.

Many large companies such as Google and Apple have all introduced the biophilic approach to cater to their employees wellbeing.

These changes can not only benefit the health of employees, but can aid in combating climate change by adding changes such as insulation or underfloor heating for a wooden floor.

Overall, a biophilic office design is the best option for employers and employees.