Seven Steps to Feeding Mind, Soul Through Interior Plants

We’ve been sharing the many benefits of the WELL Building Standard which furthers the idea that employees favor working – and generally being around – a natural or nature-based setting over stark, drab interiors made of cement and other hardscape materials that dominated design thinking of years past.

Simply put, adding plants into the workplace significantly reduces stress, health concerns and employee absences. And it’s not just a trend or fad; there’s overwhelming research to support it. Studies clearly show that employees respond to natural interior break-out workspaces, and social spaces leading to improved concentration, confidentiality, collaboration and creativity.

The WELL Building Standard includes the following seven attributes:

1) air

2) water

3) nourishment

4) light

5) fitness

6) comfort

7) mind

These components illustrate the distinct connection between people and connectedness to live plants, leading to:

– A 15 percent improvement in general well being
– A 6 percent increase in productivity
– A 15 percent improvement in creative thinking

The WELL Building Standarduses design strategies that promote the mental and psychological health of the people living, working and sleeping indoors. It also reflects a commitment from property managers and building owners toward improving the health and well-being aspirations in a meaningful way.

Why should property managers and building owners adopt these standards?

– Exposure to a view of a concrete roof causes an 8 percent decrease in performance.
– Whereas, a roof with green plants improves performance by 6 percent.
– Many people are physically and mentally inactive due to sedentary jobs.
– Implementing active design, exercise and collaborative work areas creates mentally active employees and healthier lifestyles and environments.

The opportunity to contribute to the creation of quality indoor work spaces that support the daily and long-term sustainability and well-being of individuals is at the core of Raimondi Horticultural Group’s interior efforts.

As a member of the Green Plants for Green Buildings organization, the Raimondi Horticultural Group employs an experienced team of designers who understand current guidelines and recommendations for quality interior environments including air and water standards.

Commercial building owners and property managers are seeing a return on investment within a year after implementing WELL standards. Every day, Raimondi Horticultural Group implements standards from the WELL to promote and improve the health and well-being of individuals in the built environment.