As humans, we are biologically programmed to thrive in natural settings. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that biophilic home office design has taken the world by storm. By incorporating elements of nature into your working space, you’ll gain a host of neuroscientific benefits, such as increased productivity, improved focus and a general sense of joy.
Here are 7 science-backed ways to create a biophilic work environment that will not only help you become more productive, but also bring a little slice of nature into your home office.
Let the Sunshine In
Exposing your workspace to natural light can trigger your body’s internal clock. This elicits productivity-stimulating hormones like cortisol while simultaneously increasing your levels of alertness and lowering your stress levels. Form a working arrangement close to a window whenever possible and incorporate fabrics and materials that’ll help you make the most of it.
Fill Your Space with Plants and Flowers
Placing plants and flowers around your office can not only soothe the eye, but it can also improve your overall productivity. In fact, research findings indicate that a leafy workplace can lead to increases in creativity, concentration, and recovery times from mental fatigue. Foliage and floral arrangements can also help reduce the level of dry indoor air, while also having the added benefit of improving the overall well-being of those around them.
Let Nature Be Your Art Gallery
Fill your space with framed pictures of nature in all its glory, as well as prints of calming landscape paintings. Textures like woven baskets and nature-inspired fabrics can help establish a nature-based aesthetic while also serving as a nod to the outdoors. These personal touches will help you and your employees feel more connected to the world outside the office.
Choose Natural Materials
Select desks, chairs, and shelving units made from natural materials like wood or bamboo. Not only will using these materials instantly add a nature-inspired aesthetic to your office, but they’ll also contribute to a greener work environment. Recycled plastic products can also be an eco-friendly and budget-friendly addition to your workspace.
Bring the Colors of the Outdoors into Your Space
Choose textiles, paint, and other elements in earthy shades like green, grey, blue, and brown to invoke a more natural vibe. There’s a biological reason behind your desire to play with colors: It turns out that the human eye is most sensitive to these broken spectrums of light. This means that cool, calm tones have a calming effect on the mind, triggering the relaxing chemicals in your body that can lead to higher levels of creativity and focus.
Ditch the Office Layout for a More Natural Work Environment
Traditionally laid-out office spaces can be too confining, even stifling for some. Design-free layout that includes zones of tranquility can bring that necessary calm that comes with a more biophilic office atmosphere. Bring in natural textures and materials such as rugs, paraben-free wood furnishings, untreated stone or brick, and woven baskets to help de-stress your space. The objective is to make your working environment feel more like being out of doors. This can encourage creativity and overall employee morale.
Incorporate Water Elements
Every office could use a water feature, whether it’s a tabletop fountain, a wall-mounted waterfall, or even just a small indoor garden. Having moving water in your office can help soothe frayed nerves while simultaneously offering you the benefits of the great outdoors. Additionally, the gentle patter of the water can help you to clear your head and focus on the task at hand.
Incorporating biophilic elements into your home office design doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and the benefits can be well worth the effort. Merging the indoors with the outdoors can lead to increased productivity, lower stress levels, and an overall improved working environment. By incorporating the above strategies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dynamic yet restful office space in no time.
