Incorporating nature into contemporary office environments and workplaces adds colors and may improve air quality. Biophilic design elements can also relieve stress and promote productivity and creativity. Think about which elements suit your existing space and your manner of working. Here are some ways to incorporate nature into your office space for better well-being:
Natural Materials
Wood, stone, and other organic substances can provide a link to nature. Some natural elements include:
- Cork bulletin boards
- Reclaimed wood or bamboo shelving
- Natural textiles such as cotton, wool, or linen
- Furniture with visible wood grain or stone details
- Rugs made from sisal, jute, or seagrass
Decorating with indoor plants can also turn a dull office into a rich space containing natural energy. Plants’ connection to nature helps reduce anxiety and stress in the workplace by evoking the relaxation many find outdoors. Green is also a calming color, further limiting work-related tensions.
Busy professionals should select low-maintenance plants such as snake plants, ZZ, or pothos. Place greenery strategically on desks, shelves, and empty corners in your workspace. Small succulents are ideal for cubicles or shared desk spaces. Hanging plants such as English ivy or spider plants make the most of vertical space and provide visual interest. Planters made of terracotta, ceramic, or woven baskets can add further organic appeal.
Natural Light
The strategic positioning of workstations close to windows gives employees the advantages of mood-boosting natural illumination. Sunlight provides the body with Vitamin D, which supports the immune system and bone health, and may help reduce the risk of contracting seasonal illnesses. Use sheer curtains or adjustable blinds to control glare while accessing outdoor views. Mirrors may help reflect natural light deeper into interior spaces. Placing computer screens at right angles to windows eliminates screen glare while maintaining natural light levels in the room.
Water Elements
Small water features create movement, sound, and reflective qualities similar to natural water bodies. Desktop fountains make soothing burbling noises that hide the office sounds and add moisture to dry areas. A tabletop waterfall can incorporate natural materials like polished stones, copper, or bamboo elements. Place water features so natural light produces dancing reflections on nearby walls or ceilings. Small fish aquariums can be living water elements in appropriate places.
Nature-Inspired Art
Choose pictures with nature scenes that recall personal outdoor experiences, like forests, beaches, or mountain views. This may help you recall the emotions a place inspired, helping limit work-related stress. Large-format prints can serve as immersive visual “windows” that expand the sense of space in smaller offices. Organize smaller images into thematic collections based on similar ecosystems or natural color palettes to make a larger impact.
Aromatherapy
Natural scents can create sensory connections to outdoor environments, even in a closed office space. Essential oils such as pine, eucalyptus, or cedar can conjure up forest surroundings using minimal application. Citrus scents may help energize morning work. In the afternoon, try lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood for focus or pre-meeting stress relief. Diffusers with automatic timers give an intermittent scent without causing sensory weariness.
Find the Right Office Space
Using natural elements in workspaces develops multisensory links to nature that promote physical and mental well-being. Observe how these changes alter your mood, energy, and overall satisfaction with work. Combining biophilic designs with functional office spaces helps promote productivity. Contact a company that provides collaborative office space today to upgrade your work environment.
