As an office owner, I’ve always believed that the workplace should be more than just a functional environment. It should inspire, energize, and support the people who spend much of their day there. Over the years, I’ve explored different ways to improve our office, but one of the most effective—and often underestimated—changes has been introducing office plants as flowers and plants into the space.
At first, it was just a few plants at reception. But the results were immediate and surprising: people smiled more, the space felt fresher, and the overall mood improved. That simple change led to a broader transformation in how we think about the office environment and the role of nature in the workplace.
What makes a workplace great?
Creating a great place to work isn’t only about offering salaries, perks, or tech equipment. According to Great Place to Work®, it’s about fostering trust, pride, and camaraderie. These values are supported by the physical environment in subtle but powerful ways.
Flowers and plants may seem like small details, but they are proven to boost employee satisfaction, promote well-being, and enhance team culture.
Why plants matter in the office
When visitors walk into our office, they’re welcomed by a vibrant green plant at the front desk and fresh flowers on the reception counter. It’s a simple touch—but it immediately sets a friendly, professional tone.
Plants offer more than decoration:
- They reduce stress
- They enhance focus and productivity
- They boost creativity and mood
- They make the office feel alive and cared for
These benefits are backed by various studies—and by my own experience. After we introduced more greenery, the atmosphere shifted. The office felt brighter, calmer, and more inviting.
How office plants improve work performance
Pleasant surroundings lead to better work. In meeting rooms, a few well-placed plants soften the environment, helping everyone feel more at ease. Conversations flow better, and collaboration improves. Even video meetings benefit—a plant in the background adds a touch of professionalism and warmth.
In open-plan spaces, plants also play a practical role:
- They reduce background noise
- They clean the air
- They lower the risk of eye strain and headaches
The result? Healthier, happier employees who do their best work.
Emotional well-being and atmosphere
A green environment isn’t just good for physical health—it also improves emotional well-being. Simple touches like a plant in the kitchen or flowers in the restroom show care for the details. A green corner where employees can pause and recharge creates a moment of calm during a busy day.
Before adding plants, our office was clean but cold—white walls, grey furniture. Now, with natural textures and colors, it feels much warmer and more human.
Creating a culture of appreciation
To build a truly great workplace, we need to make people feel seen and appreciated. We’ve made plants part of our company culture:
- New team members receive a welcome card and a small plant on their first day
- Birthdays and special occasions are marked with flowers
- We even give green gifts to valued team members
It’s not just thoughtful—it strengthens connection and belonging.
Discover creative gifting options from FloraQueen’s business collection and team hampers, or find personalized gifts.
Reception areas and first impressions
Reception is your office’s first impression—and it matters. We’ve made it a priority to keep ours welcoming and lively. Green plants and seasonal flowers soften the space and make visitors feel relaxed and at home.
Looking for ideas? Here are 3–5 beautiful options for reception areas:
Orchids and Flower Gifts – FloraQueen
Shared spaces and everyday use
In shared spaces like the kitchen or breakout zones, we use herbs and simple plants to keep things natural and engaging. These areas are where informal conversations happen, and plants help them feel more grounded and relaxed.
Some team members even enjoy helping with watering—it’s a small, calming ritual in the middle of a screen-heavy day.
Smart maintenance: subscriptions and services
Of course, plants need care. We use a plant subscription service that includes:
- Regular check-ups
- Watering and pruning
- Plant replacements
- Seasonal flower updates
- Expert placement advice
This lets us focus on work while professionals keep our office looking green and vibrant. It’s affordable and scalable—perfect whether you’re starting small or going big with green walls and indoor trees.
Need support choosing the right service? FloraQueen’s plant subscription services are a great starting point for any office.
Don’t forget the outdoor space
We also invest in the space outside our office. Our entrance features large flower pots that change with the seasons. This small detail has a big impact—it shows we care about every part of the experience, starting from the doorstep.
Outdoor greenery reinforces our values as a clean, sustainable, and welcoming organization.
The office as a whole experience
An office isn’t just a place to work—it’s where ideas grow and people connect. Every detail, from the plant in the meeting room to the flower in the bathroom, sends a message of care. And care is what transforms a good workplace into a great one.
It’s not about luxury. It’s about creating a space where people thrive.
Final thoughts: let’s grow better workplaces
If you’re considering ways to improve your office, start with something simple: a plant. You don’t need a big budget or a full redesign. With the right placement and maintenance, greenery can:
- Enhance productivity
- Support well-being
- Create a welcoming environment
- Reflect your values
- Make your office truly a great place to work
And with options like subscriptions and professional care, it’s easier than ever.
Let’s grow better workplaces—one plant at a time.
If you’d like recommendations or tips based on what’s worked for us, feel free to get in touch!