It is certainly no secret that happy employees are productive employees, so at Hughes Marino we are always looking for innovative ways to keep our employees happy. As the Chief Operating Officer my responsibilities include ensuring that everyone on our team is motivated, inspired, and rewarded in their profession. Suffice to say, I am always keeping my eyes and ears open for new ideas to keep our team at the top of their game.

One of the most interesting ideas I found lately came from a Fast Company article about the benefits of having plants in your office. According to two recent studies, workers who were charged with completing simulated work tasks achieved far better results while sitting at a desk with living plants and flowers. Not surprisingly, those with a view of live vegetation also scored higher than those in a cube with no windows or plants.

While scientists aren’t exactly sure why adding a bit of plant life to a workspace results in higher levels of focus, the burgeoning theory is that plants provide “attention restoration therapy.” The article describes attention restoration therapy by explaining:

“The gist of “attention restoration theory” is that our brains expend a lot of energy on tasks that require direct attention. This mental fatigue can only be restored when we give our direct attention a break. Sleep can do the job, but when we’re awake, we can also refresh direct attention by shifting our minds to an indirect, or effortless form of engagement. Nature offers just this type of absorbing, restorative distraction.”

If you’re looking to invigorate your office, you might consider taking a look at how cleverly the Wotif Group in Sydney incorporated plants into their office space. Likewise you can see the unique use of plants in Alma Media’s headquarters in Helsinki. Or you can bring in a few pretty bouquets of flowers like we do every week to brighten up your office and your team.

Whatever your choice, bringing the outdoors in is a great way to breathe a little bit of life and happiness to your office in 2014.