Biophilia for Offices: Health and Productivity

Have you ever felt a pang of unease spending long hours in an office surrounded by screens, with very little natural ventilation and artificial lights? You're not alone. In the digital age, where most of our days are spent indoors, disconnection from nature has become a constant. As interior architects and designers, we've closely observed how this disconnection affects people's well-being and productivity. We've noticed eye strain, accumulated stress, and lack of concentration in work environments devoid of natural elements. Biophilia, the innate love of nature, offers us the key to creating healthier, more productive, and harmonious offices. But how can we effectively integrate nature into our workspaces? In this post, we'll reveal practical examples and expert tips to transform your office into a biophilic oasis. Discover how biophilia can revolutionize your work environment and enhance your team's well-being. Keep reading to learn all the secrets!

What is Biophilia?

Biophilia is the innate tendency of human beings to seek connections with nature. In office design, it translates into incorporating natural elements to improve employee well-being and performance.

Benefits of Biophilia in the Office:

• Improves health and well-being:

  • The presence of plants reduces stress, improves air quality, and increases feelings of well-being.

  • Natural light regulates the circadian rhythm, improves mood, and increases energy.

  • Natural elements, such as water and wood, have a calming and relaxing effect.

• Increases productivity and creativity:

  • Employees working in biophilic environments are more productive, creative, and focused.

  • Connection with nature reduces mental fatigue and improves problem-solving skills.

  • Biophilic spaces foster collaboration and communication.

• Reduces absenteeism:

  • A healthy work environment reduces the risk of illness and absenteeism.

  • Biophilia improves job satisfaction and reduces stress, resulting in fewer sick days.

• Enhances company image:

  • An office with biophilic design conveys an image of a modern, sustainable company that cares about its employees' well-being.

  • Attracts and retains talent, as employees value a healthy and pleasant work environment.

    

    
    

Key Elements of Biophilic Design:

• Plants:

  • Incorporate indoor plants, vertical gardens, or even urban gardens.

  • Example: Use low-maintenance plants like Sansevieria or succulents in common areas.

  • Tip: Group plants with different textures and heights to create an interesting visual effect.

    

    
    

• Natural light:

  • Maximize natural light entry through large windows and skylights.

  • Example: Use translucent curtains or rollers to diffuse light and prevent glare.

  • Tip: Place desks near windows so employees can enjoy natural light.

    

    
    

• Views of nature:

  • If possible, take advantage of views of parks, gardens, or natural landscapes.

  • Example: Design rest areas with views of a garden or interior patio.

  • Tip: Use photographs or paintings of natural landscapes to simulate views if you don't have them.

    

    
    

• Water:

  • Incorporate fountains, aquariums, or even small waterfalls.

  • Example: Install a decorative water fountain (you can find them at Sodimac or Promart) in the reception or a rest area.

  • Tip: The sound of water has a relaxing effect and can help reduce stress.

    

  
  

• Natural materials:

  • Use materials that evoke or simulate natural elements such as stone, wood, linen, etc.

  • Example: Use wood-look floors or textured wall coverings.

  • Tip: Combine different natural materials to create interesting textures and contrasts.

    

    
    

• Air quality:

  • Ensure good ventilation and the use of natural air purifiers.

  • Example: Use air-purifying plants like Sansevieria or lilies.

  • Tip: Open windows regularly to ventilate the space and renew the air.

    

    
    

Biophilic elements we consider in office design:

• Creation of indoor or outdoor gardens.

• Installation of green walls or vertical gardens.

• Incorporation of decorative water fountains.

• Use of neutral-toned furniture and finishes.

• Design of rest areas with nature views.

Biophilia is a smart investment that benefits both employees and the company. By creating biophilic offices, we can improve employee health, productivity, and satisfaction, which translates into greater business success.

We hope you can consider these recommendations to improve the environment in your office; every element counts, no matter how small the change.

If you need professional help, our team is ready to assist you with your project.

See you in the next post!

Greetings,

Angie.