H C Slingsby : Go green, get on! How green office designs inspire employees.

When it comes to office design there are two schools of thought: lean and green.

Lean designs aim to minimise distractions from work tasks by removing everything but the objects necessary to complete the job in hand. Alternatively, green designs provide enriched and stimulating surroundings, often incorporating plants and outdoor spaces.

Both schemes may seem to have their merits; though studies have found green work spaces improve employee's well-being and productivity. So making the most of the outdoor areas in your office could be a great investment in your workforce and business.

In this post we'll take a look at the connection between nature and mental well-being and share some ideas for going green in your office.

Time spent outdoors is recommended to naturally reduce anxiety and tension. In fact, a study from the USA has shown that just 3 minutes in a green area can reduce stress levels back to normal, whereas recovery time in a built up area is as long as 25 minutes.

Likewise, a study by the University of Exeter showed the long term benefits of nature on our happiness and well-being. Researchers found regular exposure to green areas had a positive impact on well-being that was still apparent after 3 years.

This was a far longer lasting result than was achieved by promotions or pay rises, which saw a short term increase in well-being before levels return to normal.

So what does this mean for the work place? As well as a happier workforce, good quality green spaces could actually lead to more productive employees!

Productivity in green offices increases by as much as 15%; with even short exposure to nature - or a green view - found to increase cognitive function and memory retention.

What's more, office workers with an enriched working environment reported higher morale, decreased absenteeism and greater efficiency than their counterparts in lean office spaces. This could be because green designs improve employee's perceptions of their work place - they feel their management is attentive and caring, which leads to greater job satisfaction.

Successful companies like Google and Innocent have incorporated imaginative green spaces into their offices. Google Dublin has an entire 'green floor', packed with planters of exotic foliage and wooden furniture.

Whereas Innocent's HQ brings an outdoor feeling inside with grass rugs and picnic benches.

Images from http://bigbitecreative.com/

These are brilliant - if perhaps slightly extreme - examples of green designs. Though a well maintained garden, courtyard or other 'green' space could also see your workforce reaping the rewards of a stimulating environment. Slingsby stock a huge range of outdoor furniture and accessories visit the website for more inspiration!

Does your office fall into the green or lean camp? What would your dream work space look like? Share your thoughts in the comments section.