The term ‘biophilia’ refers to the instinctive connection that most humans feel to nature and the natural world. Think about how uplifting it can be just to walk in nature and how this can positively impact your mood. The purpose of biophilic office design is to work with this connection that humans feel towards the natural world and integrate it into our other environments, including the office. But what does this entail and how could it make an impact on your business?

Defining biophilic office design

This is the trend of bringing the outdoors into the workplace. It’s not just about adding a few pot plants here and there but integrating the broader lessons that nature has to teach us. Numerous studies have identified that bringing more of the natural world into the office – whether that’s more natural light, greenery or open space – can have a very positive impact on everything, from collaboration and creativity to productivity. One report found that biophilic office design in one workplace had reduced symptoms of fatigue and stress and improved overall staff wellbeing.

What does this look like in practice?

• Giving staff access to more natural light and views of the outdoors. The more natural light we have as humans the better we function.
• Creating a more colourful environment for staff to function in. Dull colours create a dull environment and clever use of colour can stimulate, calm or inspire.
• Incorporating plenty of natural materials indoors. Something like wood or stone can completely change the tone of the interior of an office space and give it a more grounded feel.
• Greenery is good. No matter what the workspace is, there is always going to be the opportunity to make it greener. Not only does more plant life make a space look and feel better but it boosts oxygenation too, which is good for focus and concentration.
• If you have outdoor space, use it. Whether it’s a roof terrace or a patio, if there are any areas where employees can spend time outside it’s worth ensuring that the space is inviting and usable.

Biophilic office design supports better workplace performance

For many organisations this is going to be the key selling point. There are also many other ways that the furniture and features you choose for your interiors will have an impact on how your teams feel and whether they perform. For example, adjustable task chairs and desks are vital for ensuring that staff are comfortable and  minimise the potential for workplace injury. You can use furniture to create a more agile environment in your office, creating collaboration zones for example, which are ideally designed for discussion and collaboration . Furniture placement is important too, ensuring that staff are motivated to move around as much as possible throughout the day.

Biophilic office design, combined with smart choices about finshes  and furniture, has a key role to play in performance – as well as  employee experience – for any organisation today.