Skip Nav

How to Be More Productive at Work

Study Explains How Plants Can Help With Productivity (and Boost Your Mood) at Work


There's something about nature that makes you feel happier. If you've ever gone hiking with friends, you've more than likely experienced the feelings of grounding and happiness afterward. Studies have backed those feelings, revealing that nature can be a path to human happiness.

Plants can make any home or workspace feel more comfortable, but have also been found to have many health benefits. If you want to be more productive at work (and happier), book a one-way ticket to Bali. If that's not possible (le sigh), simply decorate your workspace with more plants and natural scenery. According to a recent study conducted by the University of Melbourne, glancing at a city rooftop scene boosted participants' ability to concentrate. The research focused on micro breaks (like going to the bathroom, grabbing a cup of coffee, and scrolling through Instagram), which, according to lead researcher Dr. Kate Lee, are really important, and "something a lot of us do naturally when we're stressed or mentally fatigued."

One hundred and fifty students were given a "boring, attention-sapping task" (we've all had those assignments we'd just rather not deal with) of pressing a key as a series of numbers appeared on a computer screen. Halfway through, participants were given a 40-second break looking at a city rooftop. Half of the group viewed a "flowering meadow green roof" while the rest looked at a concrete roof. Research showed that the participants who viewed greenery on their break made less errors and demonstrated "superior concentration on the second half of the task" compared those who viewed the concrete roof.

Dr. Lee concluded that "just a moment of green can provide a boost for tired workers." While there are many tips and tricks for being productive, who knew something as simple as a snake plant on your desk could enhance your mood and performance at work? If you're in need of some workspace inspiration, start with green plants and natural scenery!

Image Source: Unsplash / Brina Blum
Latest Health & Fitness