What Are the Psychological Effects of Natural Elements at Work?

Think honestly: how do you usually feel after spending time outside in nature? We bet it’s better. It’s not a coincidence, and research is very clear on this: even spending 20 minutes connecting with natural elements can lower stress, improve attention, and even boost empathy and cooperation.

So here’s the following question: if nature is proven to make us feel much better, why don’t more offices use its elements in their workspaces? Both employees and companies would reap benefits, that much is clear. Instead, most offices are filled with synthetic lighting, sealed windows, and the dreaded lifeless cubicles. What gives?

More Greenery, Please

Incorporating more greenery and other natural elements into corporate interiors would not only soften them and make them more aesthetically pleasing but could actually boost employee focus and productivity.

The data here isn’t flimsy or anecdotal. A 2014 study by the University of Exeter found that employees working in spaces with indoor plants were 15% more productive than those in lean, plant-free environments. But productivity wasn’t the only metric that improved. People also reported higher job satisfaction, better concentration, and fewer mental fatigue symptoms. That's how powerful an effect natural elements have on our minds and bodies.

There’s a reason companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google have poured serious money into biophilic design. The ROI is huge: yes, people work harder, but you also lower burnout rates, reduce absenteeism, and make offices feel like places people want to be.

And it’s not only big enterprises that benefit. Startups, remote teams with hybrid hubs, and coworking spaces are jumping on this for good reason—it helps people feel better, which means they work better.

Best of all, you don't even need a ton of greenery to experience the benefits. Simple visual exposure to natural elements, even just small potted plants or vertical gardens, can help reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and restore attention. It’s called “attention restoration theory,” and it’s been replicated across multiple contexts, from schools to hospitals to high-pressure workplaces.

Designing for Wellbeing

If you’re trying to design a workplace that doesn’t just function, but actually helps people thrive (and as a result, helps your bottom line), your first move should be to rethink the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Now, you don’t need to turn the boardroom into a greenhouse, but you do need to be intentional.

Here’s what that can look like:

• Living walls: These are beautiful and can do a lot to greenify your space. A well-designed vertical garden doubles as air purification and stress relief. The trick is to choose species that require low maintenance but deliver visual impact, like pothos, ferns, or peace lilies.
• Small indoor fountains: Sound matters more than you think. Low-level, consistent water noise can mask distracting office chatter and provide a subtle calming effect. It’s a passive element, but one that actively supports mental focus.
• Outdoor break areas: Not everyone has space for a full-blown courtyard, but even a small corner outdoors can offer real psychological payoff. Add a few benches, tall planters, and a shade canopy, or better yet, garden arches or arbors to mark the entrance or create a transition point. These structures can create a sense of escape, like a signal that you’ve stepped away from the mental noise of your desk.
• Garden-inspired interior décor: When done right, simple visual cues carry a lot of weight. Wood textures, leaf-pattern motifs, and earth-toned palettes are all great choices because they help reinforce the psychological benefits of nature.

How to Get Started Without Overhauling the Building

What if you're not in a position to knock down drywall or build an outdoor oasis from scratch? That’s fine. There are small, high-impact changes you can make without a massive budget:

• Add rotating seasonal greenery to your space.
• Choose modular planters that double as partitions.
• Set up a “nature zone” in a shared space, and include live plants, water sounds, and comfy seating.
• Encourage walking meetings in nearby parks or outdoor areas.
• Use window film to simulate outdoor views if your office lacks them.

These are all small changes but they can make a big difference in your workforce's mood and wellbeing. They also show that your company gets it—that workspaces should be designed for people, not just around them.