World Health Day 7th April 2010

Creating a green oasis at workThis year World Health Day focuses on urban areas making us all aware of the problems and lobbying for a redirection of resources.But we can all do our bit! Is your business thinking about how it can improve the working environment? A simple and cost effective way is to include indoor plants. It’s a sure way to get the best from your workforce but it’s not only employers who benefit either, being surround by green plants gives the employees a feeling of calm and improves their overall well-being.Thomas Palfreyman, chairman of the interior landscapers’ association eFIG suggests, “There are some simple ways you can really improve your working lifestyle and productivity by simply including a green plant or two near to your desk.”Surrounding your workspace with plants either on or by desks refreshes the air which will keep everyone alert. More than that the plants really aid concentration according to a study carried out in Holland, especially if employees sit glued to a pc screen for four hours or more a day.Plants not only aid concentration and therefore by default make everyone more productive but also improve creativity according to another study conducted in the States.It’s no surprise that the colour of calm is green. Natural green spaces and plants have an organically calming effect on us. They create a tranquil space so you won’t be surprised that more research has found that having plants around lowers stress, especially in the workplace. The researchers found that pulse rates and blood pressure – two of the physical signs of stress – were both reduced for delegates working in planted surroundings.And this is only the beginning – plants also help to clean the air we breathe indoors which can be more polluted than the air outdoors. How? Well all those plastics used to make electrical equipment, soft furnishings, carpets, cleaning commodities and even personal hygiene products omit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) some of which are recognised as cacogenic. Plants absorb these pollutants and turn them into food for themselves.As we spend the majority of our time indoors – up to 90% - bringing a bit of the outdoors in makes sense – it’s what we respond to best, it’s our original natural habitat. So be sure your workspace has a plant or two by desks.“All these things make interior planting a sound investment for business, “ agrees Palfreyman. “A more productive staff and a staff less likely to go off sick because of the planted environment make the investment good business sense. And you can do your bit towards promoting a healthy environment.”You can read more about this at eFIG’s website www.efig.eu.com.

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