Office Wellbeing in the Age of Hybrid Working

The first half of this decade has seen an enormous change in the way people work, and what their workplace means to them. Once a temporary solution, the hybrid working model is now used across London, and has become a way of life for many. Organisations that have adopted this model will see that the office is no longer a place that workers must attend, but rather a space they actively choose to be in. This change has brought employee wellbeing to the forefront, and the role of the workplace in attracting, supporting, and engaging the staff there.

Hybrid working brings many benefits, such as greater flexibility, reduced commuting times, and an overall improvement in work-life balance for many employees. In some cases, remote workers find that being trusted to work independently in their own space is empowering, while others may struggle to maintain focus in their home environment. This is particularly true for those living and working in London, where many homes are smaller apartments, and having a separate, dedicated room to work in isn’t possible.

One of the most prevalent challenges that the hybrid working model comes up against is its social element. Working remotely usually means working alone, and while talking with colleagues on screen is still beneficial, the lack of real-life connection can prove isolating. When people do choose to come into the office, they’re often seeking something they can’t replicate by working remotely, such as collaboration, inspiration, or social interaction. This progression has altered the very nature of what an office needs to offer its employees, with a heightened focus on being an environment that feels intentional, restorative, and worth the commute.

The feeling of being welcomed into the workspace on office days is more important than ever. In a hybrid working model, the office must offer something distinct and meaningful. For many, the ability to work from home means working in a place they feel comfortable, a place that is designed to make them feel calm and, quite literally, at home. For this reason, many integrate soft edges, layered fabrics, lighting features, and natural greenery into their interior design to cultivate this sense of comfort and wellbeing.

When employees come into an office environment that feels sterile or lifeless, the contrast can be discouraging. Plants can be thoughtfully incorporated into the interior design of an office to create a welcoming, human space that feels aligned with the familiarity of home and utilises the relaxing and uplifting effects that nature can have on mood and focus. This effect can be enhanced by using plants to soften edges or blank spaces, and by displaying them in subtle, textured planters to help bridge the gap in the hybrid working world and make the workspace more personal.

For employees adjusting to the mix of home and office working, especially those attending only one or two days a week, it is important that natural greenery is designed and placed for the most positive social impact. Well-placed, intentional planting helps employees feel grounded and relaxed from the moment they arrive, setting a precedent for what they can expect from their day on site.

One of the primary motivations for employees to come into the office is the opportunity to connect with others and benefit from the social and collaborative experience of being part of a team. Green design can be used strategically to support this, shaping spaces that naturally encourage interaction. Plants can subtly define zones within the workplace, acting as gentle dividers to create informal meeting areas, break out spaces and quiet corners that feel welcoming and relaxed rather than rigid or overly corporate.

• Structural species like the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) or the Black Olive Tree (Bucidas Bucera) can be placed in troughs as natural dividers, adding purposeful design to workspaces.

• Trailing species such as Pothos plants (Epipremnum Aureum) have long green vines that can form a curtain, creating a soft, natural division between desk areas, without intruding on space.

• Large office plants such as Kentia Palms (Howea Forsteriana) or Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) work perfectly as dividers that double up as statement pieces, bringing together the functionality of greenery with visual aesthetic.

As hybrid working increases the need for balance and how we prioritise the dual aspects of personal and professional life, office design must support both inspiring, creative collaboration and focused, individual work.

Plants help achieve this balance. Lush, layered planting can absorb sound and soften acoustics, reducing noise levels in busy open-plan areas. In quieter zones, office greenery can create an enclosed space with a calming backdrop that supports concentration and mental clarity.

Office plants not only establish a welcoming surrounding; they are proven to reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen concentration and cognitive performance, and contribute to cleaner air quality in the office by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants from the air.

• Noise reduction – preserved moss walls and live planting create a soft barrier to absorb noise pollution, perfect to divide workspaces where a quiet, focused environment is necessary.

• Cleaning the air – all plants are excellent at reducing indoor pollutants from the air, particularly the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) which filters airborne chemicals left from cleaning products and building materials, and the Rubber plant (Ficus Elastica) whose broad, glossy leaves help to remove dust and keep the air fresh.

• Providing inspiration – the Swiss Cheese plant (Monstera Deliciosa) and Fishtail Palm (Caryota Mitis) with their dramatic, uniquely-shaped leaves promote creativity and enliven the space.

The presence of plants signals that wellbeing has been considered, not just productivity. This message matters, especially as people become more selective about where they choose to work, with the growing desire to be in a workspace that not only cares for them but inspires them.

While plants bring significant benefits to office interiors, their positive impact depends on how well they are maintained. Poorly cared-for greenery can quickly undermine a space, creating a sense of neglect rather than wellbeing. For this reason, design and maintenance must be considered in tandem, as one is only as effective as the other.

Addressing the versatile needs of a hybrid office environment is key, as attendance may vary throughout the week. Functionality and flexibility in the workplace are vital considerations that directly influence plant behaviour, as well as employee productivity and comfort. Skillful planting by our experienced team takes spatial dynamics and temperature fluctuations into account, ensuring a resilient and well-adapted environment for both people and plants.

Professional plant care ensures that displays remain healthy, consistent, and visually appealing at all times. Plant Designs tailor plant selections and maintenance schedules to suit individual workplaces and working patterns, ensuring office greenery thrives and benefits the workplace they are in. With a dedicated client manager assigned to each site, the ongoing care that the plants receive is consistent, professional, and any responsibility is removed from staff so they can simply enjoy the benefits of nature.

The future of hybrid working isn’t about choosing between home and the office, but enjoying the unique benefits of both. Today’s workplace requires office managers to turn the office from an obligation into a destination. The balance between in-office and remote work shouldn’t be jarring, but complimentary, and this cohesion comes down to offices prioritising their interior design in a way that is meaningful and intentional.

Plants provide a solution to this that is not only grounded in appearance, but that makes the office a healthier, more inspiring place to be. Greenery makes a workspace feel more human - supporting wellbeing in a way that benefits both employees and organisations.

As the role of the workspace continues to evolve, one thing is clear: office environments that prioritise wellbeing will be the ones people choose to return to, and plants will remain at the heart of that transformation.

Our dedicated team at Plant Designs manages everything from design and installation to the ongoing care of both new and existing plants, ensuring your office thrives in a stress-free and seamlessly maintained environment.

Contact our interior planting design experts to create your perfect green workspace.