A growing body of research supports the benefits of biophilic design in the workplace from both a practical and psychological perspective. Being close to the elements that evoke the natural world, such as sunlight, greenery, fresh air, and water, has a positive impact on workplace productivity and employee wellbeing.
Humans thrive in a biophilic environment– one with visible connections to nature’s colors, movement, scents, sounds, and textures. Studies also show that office spaces with large windows, indoor plants, and thoughtfully-placed natural analogs make workers and occupants feel calm and better able to focus. In contrast, workspaces characterized by noise, marginal natural light, and zero greenery are associated with higher rates of absenteeism.
Even before COVID turned work-life balance upside down, American businesses were spending over $30 billion annually managing health issues and absenteeism– from job-related stress. By rethinking workspace design in the context of biophilia, there is an opportunity to improve employee productivity, creativity, and emotional wellbeing. This is a win-win scenario for both the company and staff.
Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Office
The presence of natural elements in the workspace has a demonstrable impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of its occupants. Research across various industries reveals the advantages of bringing the outside world into office design:
- Increased concentration levels
- Improved creativity and engagement
- Reduced stress levels
- Mood improvement
- Higher rates of productivity
- Greater sense of wellbeing
- Reduced fatigue
Science– along with copious anecdotal evidence– shows that a stimulating workplace that facilitates a tangible connection with nature boosts morale, decreases mental fatigue, and allows creativity to flourish.
Biophilia Workplace Harnesses the Restorative Qualities of Nature
There are numerous ways for workplace environments to incorporate biophilic design— from raw earth materials and natural color palettes– to providing quiet and comfortable environments for concentration and collaboration.
Quiet Earth’s preserved custom moss walls give designers and architects an exciting new option for biophilic office design. Preserved moss walls are easy to install and don’t require watering or light. Made from a 100 percent natural product– preserved using natural oils– Quiet Earth Moss is a relatively maintenance-free, economical way to bring nature into any office environment.
Enhanced Acoustic Comfort
Preserved moss products also provide natural acoustic dampening, which enhances the comfort of any office environment. Sheet Moss has a 0.70 NRC rating, according to Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories™ in Geneva, Illinois.
Quiet Earth Offers Biophilic Elements to Your Workspace
Whether building upon the lushness of Reindeer Moss or the unique leafless qualities of Pole Moss, designers can use preserved moss to enhance biophilic comfort in any workspace. Quiet Earth acoustic moss wall panels and products offer cost-effective ways to apply biophilic principles to a workspace.