Green workspace and ancestral well-being

According to science, all need for nature is intimately tied to the evolution of the human species

Over the past few months, researchers Yuya Fukano and Masashi Soga, respectively from Chiba University and the University of Tokyo, have offered a suggestive new theory as to why the colour green makes us feel good. The study, published last February by the British Ecological Society, presented the ‘Greenery hypothesis’, suggesting that the need for ‘green’ is deeply rooted with the evolution of our species. It is indeed evident that in all ages of history, human beings have always benefited from being in contact with nature and even in urban contexts they have always pursued this connection. Many different types of natural installations have been used since the dawn of human settlements to embellish both private and community spaces and improve citizens’ well-being. Gardens are an architectural feature found in all cultures, and indoor plant growing is also a globally popular passion. Researchers from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science have shown with scientific accuracy the strong connection of human beings with ‘fertile’ nature. According to the mentioned study, lush vegetation triggers a positive mental response, while its disappearance, as during dry periods, signals environmental degradation that can lead to negative psychological responses and feelings of depression. These psycho-physiological reactions were crucial for human survival during the environmental changes faced by our ancestors. In recent years, however, the workplace design had already intercepted this radical cultural transformation. The introduction of natural elements, namely plants, green areas and walls, have long since transformed the traditional office setting, reflecting a deep-seated human need to reconnect with nature, a concept known as ‘biophilia’. This term, coined by the psychologist and psychoanalyst Erich Fromm and later expanded upon by the biologist Edward O. Wilson, is used to describe humans’ innate attraction to nature and living systems. This ancestral connection is leading a true green revolution in workplaces, transforming them from purely functional spaces into true regenerating havens. Integrating natural elements into workspaces is not just a matter of aesthetics, but it also provides a number of tangible and measurable benefits and can be achieved in a variety of forms, tailored to the unique needs of each location:

• Desk Plants: Adding small plants to individual desks can improve the personal space of each employee;
•  Green Walls: Green walls are both an aesthetic and functional solution that can radically transform the look and the air quality within offices;
• Indoor Gardens: In facilities allowing it, the creation of real indoor gardens provides relaxation and regeneration spaces for employees to enjoy;
• Movable greenery: The use of movable trolleys or shelves equipped with plants allows for more flexibility in the arrangement of green elements.

Recent studies have shown that the presence of plants in offices can significantly reduce employees’ stress levels. Researcher Marlon Nieuwenhuis of Cardiff University pointed out that the mere sight of vegetation can lower blood pressure and decrease anxiety levels. In addition, the fresher air generated by plants helps to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue, creating a healthier and more relaxed working environment. One of the most striking effects of introducing greenery into offices is increased productivity. Research conducted by Nieuwenhuis found an increase of up to 15% in plant-enriched environments. This phenomenon can be ascribed to several causes: green essences boost attention and concentration, reduce mental fatigue and improve air quality, creating a better environment for work efficiency.

The presence of natural elements in workspaces not only improves performances, but also promotes creative thinking and innovation. According to Shibata and Suzuki‘s 2004 study, plant-enriched environments trigger lateral thinking, encouraging more creative approaches to problem solving. As previously mentioned, plants play a key role in improving the indoor air quality of workspaces. Lohr‘s research back in 1996 had already shown that plants not only increase the amount of relative humidity in the air, but they also lower dust levels while absorbing pollutants, thus contributing to a healthier environment.

In times when workplace well-being is becoming more and more the centre of attention, also due to the introduction of ESG standards, the adoption of a ‘green’ philosophy within offices is no longer considered a fad for particularly enlightened entrepreneurs, but a real necessity. Companies embracing these values not only contribute to improving the quality of life of their employees, but in the long term they can also enjoy significant competitive benefits.

Therefore, the future of workspaces seems to be heading towards an increasingly closer integration between man-made environment and nature, in a balance that is supportive of health, creativity and productivity. This trend not only embodies a change in office design, but it also anticipates a permanent paradigm shift in the very concept of work and corporate well-being.