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Ask HN: Where can I find studies that link office plants to productivity

5 points by flashcurd 16y ago

As part of a cost cutting measure at my workplace we've just had all the office greenery removed. In it's place we've got nothing but drab grey walls to look at. If anyone knows of any papers that have been written that link office greenery to increased productivity could you post them in the comments. This way I might have an argument to take to the Higher-Ups about getting the greenery reinstated. Thanks

jonathanwallace 16y ago
Are you not allowed to bring your own plants in and care for them?
- flashcurd 16y ago
  Yes I would be allowed but quite a few people want them back so I'd rather try and solve the problem for the entire office rather than just for myself.
revorad 16y ago
Time for a new job!
hoop 16y ago
This disturbs me. In spite being an avid gardener, I really can't see how watering a couple of plants actually costs any money (or how removing them saves any). With that being said, I too would like to see these studies
- marklabedz 16y ago
  The contracts that most offices have with professional "gardeners" cost significantly more money than you may expect. If only hoop's office management would have realized that some people may be willing to take on some of the maintenance. EDIT: Here's a presentation through the Green Building Council of Australia that highlights the benefits of indoor environments on productivity. Note however, it is sponsored by a company that offers the previously mentioned contracts. (PDF) http://www.gbca.org.au/uploads/70/2886/Meet%20the%20Stars-%20People%20Plants%20Productivity%2014%20April%202010.pdf http://www.gbca.org.au/uploads/70/2886/Meet%20the%20Stars-%2... Here is a study published in the American Society for Horticultural Sciences' HortScience journal: http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/full/43/1/183 http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/full/43/1/18...
  - hoop 16y ago
    Thank you!
mryan 16y ago
I found an article [1] which cites "The Effect of Live Plants and Window Views of Green Spaces on Employee Perceptions of Job Satisfaction" [2], by googling for "study shows plants office"... I was sure I would find a PR fluff piece with those terms! See also [3] [1] http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plants-office-environments-460520 http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plants... [2] http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/43/1/183 http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/43/... [3] http://www.plantcultureinc.com/whyGreen.html http://www.plantcultureinc.com/whyGreen.html
triviatise 16y ago
Maybe have everyone sign up to water and care for the plants, then petition your boss and explain how you are solving the problem. Things like this show leadership so have side benefits as well. giving a study which shows how the boss is wrong is probably not going to be that effective. A solution on the other hand is great. Also, try not to make it us vs. them
staunch 16y ago
There are probably more plants in most prisons than your office. Something to think about.

5 points by flashcurd 16y ago

jonathanwallace 16y ago

Are you not allowed to bring your own plants in and care for them?

flashcurd 16y ago
Yes I would be allowed but quite a few people want them back so I'd rather try and solve the problem for the entire office rather than just for myself.

revorad 16y ago

Time for a new job!

hoop 16y ago

This disturbs me. In spite being an avid gardener, I really can't see how watering a couple of plants actually costs any money (or how removing them saves any). With that being said, I too would like to see these studies

marklabedz 16y ago
The contracts that most offices have with professional "gardeners" cost significantly more money than you may expect. If only hoop's office management would have realized that some people may be willing to take on some of the maintenance. EDIT: Here's a presentation through the Green Building Council of Australia that highlights the benefits of indoor environments on productivity. Note however, it is sponsored by a company that offers the previously mentioned contracts. (PDF) http://www.gbca.org.au/uploads/70/2886/Meet%20the%20Stars-%20People%20Plants%20Productivity%2014%20April%202010.pdf http://www.gbca.org.au/uploads/70/2886/Meet%20the%20Stars-%2... Here is a study published in the American Society for Horticultural Sciences' HortScience journal: http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/full/43/1/183 http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/full/43/1/18...
- hoop 16y ago
  Thank you!

mryan 16y ago

I found an article [1] which cites "The Effect of Live Plants and Window Views of Green Spaces on Employee Perceptions of Job Satisfaction" [2], by googling for "study shows plants office"... I was sure I would find a PR fluff piece with those terms! See also [3] [1] http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plants-office-environments-460520 http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plants... [2] http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/43/1/183 http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/43/... [3] http://www.plantcultureinc.com/whyGreen.html http://www.plantcultureinc.com/whyGreen.html

triviatise 16y ago

Maybe have everyone sign up to water and care for the plants, then petition your boss and explain how you are solving the problem. Things like this show leadership so have side benefits as well. giving a study which shows how the boss is wrong is probably not going to be that effective. A solution on the other hand is great. Also, try not to make it us vs. them

staunch 16y ago

There are probably more plants in most prisons than your office. Something to think about.