Experts now say that having a plant in the office has the

potential to prevent sick days, reduce stress and aid

creativity. The ideal office plants will improve the mix of

bacteria in the office air, and also survive with low light with

a low level of care.

All those who work in big office blocks are well aware of how easily illness can spread through the workplace, and although this problem is often associated with poor ventilation, the chemicals used on office furniture is also a cause for concern.

Greenery in the office could help purify the air and thus avoid office worke3rs breathing in toxic chemicals, and stop the spread of illnesses. Plants can cleanse the air of pathogens and freshen the air, creating a much more easy and effective working environment and thus increasing creativity.

Office furnishings often contain different toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, and even ammonia due to all the cleaning products used daily on them. Plant based bacteria, on the other hand, has the potential to be genuinely good for your health, and the benefits of indoor plants and their soil could help stabilise the ecology of the synthetic environment.

Therefore there is the possibility that increasing the number of plants in the office could have a significant impact on the number of sick days taken, through the reduction of viral illness and a cleaner and more natural working environment. This positive atmosphere also improves motivation and creativity in employees, lessening sick days through a more optimistic outlook on work.

The ideal plants include areca palm, English ivy, Boston fern, aloe vera, peace lily, weeping figs and lady palms. These plants purify the air and help tackle stress, and promote feelings of relaxation and calmness, contributing to creativity and mood.