Following the pandemic, many organizations and employees have re-evaluated working from home. The result? Working at the office is making a comeback. Not just because it’s more practical, but because it demonstrably stimulates creativity, collaboration, and job satisfaction. A well-designed office environment, with attention to nature and office greenery, proves essential to getting the best out of people.
Why we are returning to the office
During the pandemic, working from home seemed like the future. But in the long run, it became clear that many people were missing something: inspiration, social interaction, and variety. More and more companies now recognize that the physical office plays a crucial role in stimulating ideas, innovation, and team dynamics. Spontaneous encounters, access to visual stimuli, and the ability to collaborate or retreat all contribute to better and more creative work.
Creativity grows in the right environment
According to research by TU Delft (Thoring et al. 2021), the physical workspace is not a neutral factor—on the contrary. Creativity is influenced by sensory stimuli, spatial layout, and interaction with others. Elements such as sightlines, the balance between activity and quiet, movement through the space, and the presence of nature play a direct role. The right workplace supports thought processes like divergent thinking (generating many ideas), incubation (letting ideas mature), and serendipity (unexpected insights).
A stimulating office environment:
- Combines visual calm with inspiring details
- Encourages switching between focused work and spontaneous interaction
Plants: an essential link in the creative process
Plants do more than just add atmosphere. They influence how we think and feel. Thoring et al. point to the importance of sensory stimulation—and plants provide it in abundance. They improve air quality and well-being in the workplace, add color and structure to the space, and provide a natural balance between order and stimulus. All of this contributes to a state of relaxation and openness necessary for creative thinking.
Office greenery stimulates, among other things:
- The diffused mode of thinking, where ideas emerge subconsciously
- A willingness to experiment, because the space feels safe and inviting
- Mental recovery capacity, essential for intensive cognitive work
How to use plants effectively in the office
Adding greenery to the workplace requires more than just a houseplant in the corner. Think strategically and tailor the greenery to how the space is used. For example, use large plants in central areas, hanging plants for atmosphere in high-ceilinged rooms, and green walls to visually separate zones. Cleverly alternate natural materials and plants for a balanced, sensorially rich work environment. Check out our green solutions for inspiration.
With plant rental or leasing, your investment remains flexible, including professional plant maintenance.
Green plan for your office
Want to give the creativity and job satisfaction in your office a boost with greenery? At Wildernis, we create a custom green plan that fits your space, needs, and budget. From initial advice to installation and maintenance: we take care of it.
