Working in harmony with nature underpins all sustainability goals — and biophilic design in the workplace has become an important innovation that is as good for people as it is for the planet. Turning an existing office or facility into a thriving green haven can be challenging, but all offices can work with what they have to incorporate the best of this nature-based design trend. 

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design seeks to connect interior spaces with the natural world. Typically, this means using materials like wood and stone, adding plants and water features and maximizing daylight. To avoid greenwashing, this must be paired with underlying sustainable business practices and building construction. 

The Benefits of Biophilic Workspaces

The benefits for staff are clear. A review of recent research found access to daylight, greenery and views of nature can enhance workplace productivity, lower stress levels and improve employee cognitive performance. By encouraging a psychological connection to nature, biophilic offices may also encourage staff to adopt sustainable practices at home.

Environmental benefits are also impactful. Biophilic design lowers energy consumption because daylight reduces the need for artificial lighting. Plants in and around office buildings help to cool and insulate interiors, while providing valuable habitats for insects and birds, improving urban biodiversity. Using natural materials in the work environment reduces waste. 

Challenges for Existing Work Environments

Biophilic design comes into its own when brand-new buildings are created. In an ordinary office, the initial investment in a conversion can be costly. Maintenance costs are also higher than normal, since plants require watering and pruning. Limited space may make finding room for living walls or water features tricky, and daylight can be sparse. 

However, incorporating any green elements is better than none. Staff will instinctively gravitate toward these areas. This may increase mobility within the office, helping to avoid the muscular pain associated with poor posture and a sedentary work style. 

Spatial planning is essential because all areas must remain fully functional as a workspace — no amount of greenery will help if employees cannot do their jobs efficiently. The best approach is to find ways to maximize the building’s inherent features and advantages in a more nature-inspired way. 

4 Key Ways to Integrate Biophilic Design

If it isn’t practical to completely refit the workplace, small changes can still have a measurable impact. Here’s a look at what is ideal and what management and individual employees can do where a complete building overhaul is not feasible. 

1. Maximize Natural Light

New biophilic plans include large windows, skylights and glass partitions. This allows for maximum views of the outdoors and efficient passive solar heating. It also means employees can increase their intake of vitamin D, which is essential for good health. To utilize natural light in a workspace, management can:

• Replace harsh fluorescent bulbs with full-spectrum or daylight LED lighting.
• Use desk and floor lamps to create softer, layered lighting.
• Add mirrors or reflective surfaces to bounce available light deeper into the interior.

To maximize your own view, try facing toward a window — even a glimpse of sky or trees helps. You can also use a digital photo frame with rotating nature images to instill a sense of calm.

2. Create Green Spaces

Newly designed biophilic workplaces can incorporate stunning indoor gardens, communal and rest zones, or rooftop gardens. Combining rooftop relaxation space with green roofing elements can significantly contribute to airborne microplastic capture and help reduce stormwater runoff. In existing buildings, leaders can:

• Install shared plant displays in common areas, corridors or meeting rooms.
• Use vertical gardens or living walls in high-traffic zones.
• Choose air-purifying plants that can absorb formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, but do not require much maintenance. 

On an individual level, add greenery like mosses, succulents or cacti to your desk area. Consider organizing a “green team” with co-workers to help care for communal plants.

3. Incorporate Natural Materials

Biophilic buildings will extensively use wood, stone, bamboo and recycled materials for seating, desking and communal areas. Organizations can:

• Introduce wood, bamboo or cork wall panels or flooring.
• Use natural fibers and organic patterns for rugs, cushions and curtains.
• Order sustainably-made office supplies, ideally from a company with a strong environmental mission.

You can do this in your home or personal workspace, too. Choose recycled mousepads, notebooks and throws with earthy colors or textures, and use outdoor-inspired accessories, such as mugs with botanical designs.

4. Add Sights and Sounds of Nature

Water features, insect gardens and birdfeeders are common in new builds. Even without room to add these features, a business can choose to:

• Hang large-scale photography, botanical prints or murals.
• Position small fountains or aquariums to bring life and movement. 
• Play gentle sounds such as water or birdsong in break areas.
• Waft natural scents like pine, citrus or lavender. 

As an individual, you can step outside for short walks or spend breaks near any available greenery. Practice micro-restoration by looking at nature images or listening to sounds briefly.

Bringing the Natural World Into Your Working Life

You don’t need a total redesign to benefit from biophilic principles. Small, thoughtful changes — at both the organizational and personal level — can improve well-being, focus and satisfaction in any workspace. Let nature in, in as big a way as you can, and experience the benefits.