Noisy open plan office? Reduce the noise with indoor plants…
The hum of computers, the ringing of telephones and the buzz of conversation all add up to a surprisingly noisy environment. Ray Borg, Ambius Asia Pacific Regional Director, recommends some practical, fresh and especially green ways to help reduce the noise in busy offices.
“To start with, workplaces should consider the use of plant screens and plants grouped together as barrier arrangements to help reduce the noise. The tops of filing cabinets can also be used to place plants. Small bushy plants in narrow troughs take up little space, but they can still be beneficial to help reduce noise,” suggests Ray.
“Offices that use screen plants instead of office partitions tell us that aside from helping to reduce noise, they have a number of other psychological benefits – helping to reduce stress and improve the well being of office workers,” says Ray.
This is backed up by research from the US, the Netherlands and the UK that has shown positive effects in reducing stress and sickness absence, increasing productivity and improving well-being, particularly in office environments where people are using computers.
A study at Surrey University in the UK [1] showed that not only were stress levels lower in a planted office, people recovered from stress more quickly than those in the unplanted office. The study authors also reported that where the task was less complex, even boring, the soothing effects of plants may be even more noticeable.
Ambius offer their legendary service and will install and service your indoor plantings to ensure healthy and well maintained displays.
And remember, plants don’t just look good, they’re good for the interior environment as well and will help make you greener on the inside…
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