Office spaces are usually closed spaces flooded with fluorescent lightings. Working in such an environment can affect the productivity over time. That’s why it is important to use tricks to create a productive atmosphere in the office. We need to follow tips that can keep office air clean and create a conducive ambience for people to work with a happy state of mind.
Plants play a pivotal role in doing this. Scientific Journals International states that air quality and productivity of employee are interlinked. Decade long research by psychologists has proved that offices that feature good air quality see more productive employees.
About office air
As mentioned earlier, office spaces are usually closed. So, toxic chemicals released by furniture, paint, carpets, electronics, and cleaning solutions stay in the office air. This can slowly and silently affect the minds of employees, affecting their productivity. This important research finds a mention in the Forbes magazine in 2019.
Nothing much can be done about the office building, air-conditionings, walls, and the basic structure. However, one of the best things to do is increase greenery around and inside the office. Plants do not talk but they silently purify air and soothe your senses. You can feel the difference.
NASA Scientists have chosen certain plants that are proven to purify air and absorb electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted from computers and other electronic gadgets.
Have a glimpse of these plants. They are approved by NASA scientists. Apart from these, money plant and aloe vera are also known air purifiers.
1. Spider Plant:
Spider plant is best for the office because it is a hardy plant. It is so robust that it is actually hard to kill this plant! This means that even if you do not care much for this plant, it will find a way to survive. At the same time, it will also absorb toxic chemicals like benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and formaldehyde. These chemicals are commonly present in indoor office air.
2. Peace Lily:
Peace lily is a beautiful plant that can increase the aesthetics of the office space through its pure white blooms. This is an easy-maintenance plant that requires only weekly watering and loves shade – just the perfect thing for the office! NASA scientists took notice of this plant due to its superb ability to filter benzene, formaldehyde, and tricholoroethylene (which is one of the volatile organic compounds) from the air.
3. Cacti:
According to Vastu Shastra, cactus is not a plant to be kept in the house or indoor spaces. Well, you can avoid keeping this plant at home, but when it comes to office spaces, this is a super plant you must not miss. In fact, you must keep this plant just beside your computer because it has the powerful ability to absorb EMF radiation. It also removes bacteria from the surrounding place. But yes, it needs some sunlight. So, you can keep it under the sun at regular intervals.
4. Garden Mum/Chrysanthemum:
According to NASA scientists, this is a great plant for purifying air. It removes benzene, xylene, ammonia, and formaldehyde from office air. These are beautiful flowering plants with big sized, colorful blooms that not only increase beauty of the office space, but also give you fresher air to work in.
5. Red-edged Dracaena:
This gorgeous plant can grow up to the ceiling. Make sure you keep them in a corner that gets some sunlight. Red-edged Dracaena is a super plant in the sense that it removes formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene from air. These common chemicals found in office air are generally emitted from gasoline, varnishes, lacquers.
There is a reason why trees are called the “lungs of the city.” They give oxygen and keep air pure. Wherever you live or work, make sure there is greenery around. If not, create the greenery. An office with lots of beautiful plants around purifies air and soothes the senses of the people present there – double benefit. People would love to work in such an office.
Krishi Jagran’s head office in New Delhi is a perfect example of a green office. It shows how we can still be close to nature while being surrounded with gadgets.
