How A Living Wall Can Transform Your Office Environment

A living wall installation, sometimes called a vertical garden, is a trend that’s set to keep on flourishing as we wake up to the benefits of indoor plants for our health and wellbeing. They not only look beautiful and make the workplace more visually appealing, but can enhance your business in multiple ways. 

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of living walls and office plants, particularly for workplaces in major cities such as London where good air quality and access to nature is at a premium. 

Better air quality

Many offices are affected by Sick Building Syndrome, which is driven by low air quality. This can cause or exacerbate a range of health conditions such as asthma and eczema, and cause general symptoms such as headaches, eye irritation, tiredness, and a sore throat. 

Plants help to absorb pollutants and promote oxygen production, improving the quality of the air and reducing sickness levels among staff. 

Enhanced creativity and productivity

Numerous studies have proved that being close to greenery is good for our minds and bodies, leading to improved mood, lower stress levels, and a more congenial working environment. This empowers employees to perform well in their roles, and can lead to a more positive company culture with a creative and can-do ethos. 

Noise insulation

Offices can be noisy places to work, particularly in the era where open-plan layouts are favoured. Outside noise pollution from traffic and roadworks can also be a problem in city centre offices. Many workers fail to thrive in this type of environment with multiple irritations and distractions, and it can cause headaches and lead to lower productivity.

Living walls help to absorb and filter out noise, creating a more peaceful environment with lower levels of ambient background noise. This can help employees to focus and produce their best work. 

Tips for a successful living wall

In order to thrive, the living wall should be located strategically so it has optimal lighting, humidity and temperature conditions. 

The plants should be chosen for their suitability for indoor environments and compatibility with the irrigation and drainage system of the installation. 

The greenery will need regular maintenance that includes watering, fertilising, pruning, and inspecting for bugs and diseases. Many offices outsource the installation and maintenance of the living wall to a professional interior landscaping company to ensure they get the best results. 

A beautifully designed and maintained living wall can improve job satisfaction and wellbeing of employees. It also creates a contemporary biophilic environment that is not only stylish and on-trend, but also chimes with current thinking around sustainability and environmental concerns. 

This can help to enhance your brand image and make a striking and memorable first impression on clients and visitors to your office.