Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

I recall when a closely located colleague left our office, she took with her a lovely plant that had been a gift from her late father.  As well as lamenting the loss of a dear workmate, I missed that plant in my sightline for ages.  It was the only bit of greenery on our side of the office that looked out over high grey buildings.

I attempted to grow a plant or two on my desk over the years but nothing lasted. I don’t know was it the aircon in the summer and heat in the winter, but I managed to kill everything green with life.

While working at my kitchen table, I look out over the ivy-clad back shed and a few plants on the patio. From the kitchen window my eyes are drawn to several cherry blossom estates growing sideways in the green as I search for inspiration.

So it was with interest that I read about a new study into biophilic office design, or the act of bringing the outdoors into the work environment to the non-initiated.

Cacti, air plants, succulents and spider plants may be popular ways to brighten up desks and create a greener office space, but there are even more benefits to having plants in the office.

A survey on the topic revealed that plants in the office increase productivity by 15%. When considering air quality, workplace satisfaction and productivity in ‘lean’ offices versus ‘green’ ones, quality of life and productivity increased across the board.

Some 70% of people surveyed said plants helped improve the atmosphere at home and in the office, while 31% said greenery and plants helped them concentrate while working.

We know many people take to gardening to combat stress, so a green workspace can have a similar impact. The study concluded that plants in your home or office can make you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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