At GreenAir we were enthused to read the latest research out of the World Economic Forum asking for employers to do more in the space of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Their findings reveal that in the Asia Pacific region alone, investment in employee wellbeing has risen by 27% since 2020. Despite this investment, 38% of workers remain at risk of mental health issues, and over 65% are already suffering from burnout.

The World Economic Forum says that while these figures are worrying, they are not from a lack of trying, but rather the wrong approach.

“There needs to be a change of approach with a focus on organisation-wide transformation of culture including leadership and manager skills and behaviours, workload and work design, team collaboration and creating a sense of belonging to make a difference”.

These numbers and insights highlight what we at GreenAir already know and advocate: when employees feel better, they perform better. They’re more productive, creative, and engaged at work. How we adapt our work environments to genuinely support mental health and wellbeing matters and must be a priority for all business leaders in 2025 and beyond.

This sentiment is echoed in JLL’s Future of Work Survey (2024). JLL emphasize that designing optimal workplaces is essential for success, but many offices are currently falling short in key areas that affect productivity and wellbeing. Key factors such as acoustics, thermal comfort, and adequate space for focused individual work are frequently rated the lowest in workplace evaluations.

Moreover, JLL highlight that strategic investment in office design can enhance individual work, foster collaboration, and improve air quality. Providing a variety of workspaces including access to views and green spaces is strongly linked to higher levels of employee wellbeing and productivity.

For GreenAir, introducing greenery into the office is a proven game-changer for employee satisfaction. Plants don’t just enhance the aesthetic, they improve mood, spark creativity, and transform a mundane workspace into a lively, energising environment where employees want to be. We’ve seen it first hand, with many of our installations making a big impact on how employees engage with their workplace and importantly how they connect with their employer.

And research backs up these benefits: Studies have shown that exposure to indoor plants can reduce stress, increase productivity by up to 15%, and enhance overall wellbeing. Even small touches of nature, like potted plants or green walls, can make a significant difference in how people feel and perform at work.

Let’s look at the key benefits of green spaces

1. Stress Relief – Greenery provides moments of respite, helping employees reduce stress and anxiety during the day. GreenAir has worked on green break-out rooms, small flashes of office greenery and complete transformations of work environments. All are valuable additions to any work environment.

2. Boosted Creativity and Innovation – By reducing noise and supporting cognitive function, greenery helps stimulate new ideas and creative solutions.

3. Learning and Connection – Green spaces, like edible gardens, offer opportunities for educational activities such as urban farming workshops. We’ve been working with several businesses, including Spark and Total Property Services, where workshops and training have encouraged employee growth, improved health and wellbeing and greater connection to their team.

4. Employee Nourishment – Edible plants provide fresh, on-site ingredients for smoothies, salads, and more, nourishing both body and mind.

5. Enhanced Air Quality – Plants naturally purify the air, leading to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.

6. Visual Stimulation and Vibrancy – A variety of plants can introduce colour and texture, transforming a dull office into a lively and welcoming space.

7. Improved Memory and Focus – Research shows that exposure to nature, even in small doses, enhances focus, concentration, and working memory.

Incorporating greenery into office design is more than just an aesthetic choice, it’s a strategic investment in both employee wellbeing and company performance. Green spaces are a key factor in fostering a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.

As leaders, you can shape environments that not only boost performance but also attract and retain top talent. Empower your team to thrive. Invest in spaces where both productivity and people flourish.

Ask the team at GreenAir how.