How Biophilic Office Designs Enrich Your Workspace

The trend of bringing nature into the workplace is on the rise, as more and more companies are beginning to understand the many benefits that biophilic office designs can provide. Biophilia is the love of life and all things living, and this concept can be applied to office design in a number of ways.

Incorporating elements of nature into your office space can improve employee satisfaction and productivity, while also reducing stress levels and promoting healthy behavior.

There are a number of ways to add biophilic elements to your office design. Incorporating natural light, using natural materials, adding plants or water features, and creating views of nature are all great ways to bring the outdoors in.

This is still a somewhat new concept for most people and we will take a look at it in great detail.

What is a Biophilic Office Design?

The term “biophilic design” was coined by German-American psychologist Erich Fromm in his 1973 book The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness.

In short, it is the integration of nature into built environments. This can range from adding plants to your office space to using natural light and materials, to creating views of nature.

The goal of biophilic design is to reduce stress, improve cognitive function and creativity, boost productivity, and promote overall health and well-being.

There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the many benefits of biophilic design in the workplace.

One study found that employees who had access to natural light and views of nature reported higher levels of satisfaction with their job, workspace, and company.

They also had lower levels of stress and fatigue and took fewer sick leaves than those who did not have access to these elements.

Another study found that workers in offices with plants reported higher levels of well-being and concentration, and lower levels of stress, than those in offices without plants.

And a third study found that employees who had access to daylight and views of nature were more productive and took fewer sick days than those who did not have these elements in their workplace.

Benefits of Biophilic Office Designs

So, what are some of the specific benefits of biophilic office design? Let’s take a look at a few of the well-documented benefits:

  • Reduced Stress Levels: No one wants to have a workforce that seems to be stressed out. With the fast-paced nature of most businesses these days, it can be hard to avoid. But, studies have shown that employees who work in environments with natural light and views of nature have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who do not.
  • A Healthier Workspace: In addition to reducing stress, biophilic office designs can also promote healthy behavior. One study found that employees who work in environments with plants are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly than those who do not have plants in their workspace.
  • Improved Concentration and Productivity: A number of studies have found that employees who work in environments with natural light and views of nature are more productive than those who do not have these elements in their workplace.

One study found that workers in offices with windows had an average productivity increase of 15%, while another found that employees who had access to daylight were 20% more productive.

  • Better Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Employees who are satisfied with their workspace are more likely to stay with a company. A study of office workers found that those who had access to natural light and views of nature were more satisfied with their job, workspace, and company than those who did not have these elements in their workplace.

How to Create a Biophilic Office Design

Now that we know some of the benefits of biophilic design, let’s take a look at how you can create a biophilic office design in your own workplace.

There are a few key elements that you should keep in mind:

  • Incorporate natural light: One of the easiest ways to bring the outdoors in is to incorporate natural light into your office design. This can be done in a number of ways, such as installing windows or skylights or using light-colored paint or wallpaper.
  • Use nature-inspired materials: Another way to bring the outdoors in is to use nature-inspired materials in your office design. This can include using wood, stone, or plants in your décor.
  • Incorporate views of nature: If possible, try to incorporate views of nature into your office design. This can be done by placing desks near windows or installing monitors that display images of nature scenes.
  • Bring in plants: Plants are a great way to add a touch of nature to your office design. Not only do they look good, but they also have a number of benefits, such as reducing stress levels and improving air quality.
  • Find the ideal furniture: When choosing furniture for your office, try to find pieces that are comfortable and promote healthy posture. This will help to reduce fatigue and improve productivity.
  • Use color wisely: The colors that you use in your office can have a big impact on the overall feel of the space. Using calming, nature-inspired colors can help to create a more relaxing environment.
  • Use Natural Elements: Make use of things like wood and stone to create a more natural look and feel in your office design.
  • Incorporate greenery: Incorporating plants into your office design is a great way to bring in some nature. Not only do they look good, but they also have a number of benefits, such as reducing stress levels and improving air quality.

Final Thoughts

Biophilic office design is a great way to create a workspace that is both productive and enjoyable. By incorporating elements of nature into your office design, you can improve the health and well-being of your employees. Our team of experts will always be happy to help you with amazing office designs and the right furniture for the same.

What are some of the ways you’ve incorporated the biophilic design into your office? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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