Welcome to plants@work
Welcome to the Plants at Work (formerly efig ltd) website - the association representing Interior Landscapers by promoting the use and benefits of Interior Plants.
There are many benefits of joining us, including:
- Industry Representation
- Great Business Opportunities
- Fantastic Training Programme
- Networking
Who We Are
News
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Happy World Poinsettia Day! Friday, 12 December 2025
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The Green Tide: 2025's Trending Plants for Stylish Christmas Monday, 08 December 2025
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Festive Season 2025: plants@work Members Bring Christmas Magic to Workplaces and Public Spaces Friday, 28 November 2025
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Christmas Trends 2025: What’s Coming for Commercial Interiors Friday, 21 November 2025
The Great January Reset: Why Your Office Needs a Green Revolution in 2026
The tinsel has been packed away. The baubles are back in the attic. The grand fir tree that welcomed everyone in the lobby during December has been recycled.
Now, look around your office.
Does the space feel cleaner? Perhaps. Does it feel spacious? Definitely. But does it also feel a little... sterile?
Post-holiday office "blues" are a real phenomenon, often exacerbated by the sudden removal of bright decorations and greenery. As we kick off 2026, there is a massive opportunity to fill that void not with clutter, but with life.
Here is why swapping your Christmas tree for year-round botanical teammates is the best business decision you can make this January.
The Antidote to "January Blues"
January is a difficult month for employee morale. The excitement of the holidays has faded, and the grey winter weather has set in.
Bringing plants into the office isn't just about aesthetics; it is a psychological hack. This is known as Biophilia—our innate human tendency to seek connections with nature.
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Stress Reduction: Studies consistently show that merely looking at greenery can lower cortisol levels and blood pressure.
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Mood Boosting: The colour green is psychologically linked to balance and restoration. A few well-placed ferns can act as a subtle, constant mood stabiliser.
The Productivity ROI
If you think plants are just a cost centre, think again. In 2026, we are looking for every efficiency edge we can get.
Research suggests that adding plants to a lean office environment can increase productivity by up to 15%.
Why? Because plants improve concentration. In a sterile environment, there is no visual complexity to rest the eyes on. Natural elements provide "soft fascination," allowing the brain to recover from focus fatigue without being distracted.
Improving the "Hybrid" Experience
By now, most companies have settled into their long-term hybrid work rhythms. The challenge for 2026 is no longer how to work remotely, but why employees should come into the office.
If your office looks like a cold, grey cubicle farm, the commute will never feel worth it. If your office feels like a vibrant, living sanctuary—similar to the comfortable environments people have curated at home—attendance becomes less of a chore and more of a choice. Plants soften the harsh lines of modern architecture and improve acoustics by absorbing sound, making the office a more pleasant place to collaborate.
The Invisible Health Filter
Winter is the season of colds, flu, and dry, heated air. While plants aren't a replacement for a high-grade HVAC system, they are nature's air purifiers.
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Humidity: Plants release moisture vapour (transpiration), which helps combat the dry air caused by office heating systems, thereby reducing dry skin and respiratory irritation.
- Toxin Removal: Many common office plants actively filter volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in carpets, printer ink, and paint.
The Verdict
The Christmas tree served its purpose: it brought joy and a sense of occasion. But it was temporary.
This January, don't let your workspace slide back into sterility. Use the empty space left by the holidays to invest in living decor that pays dividends in health, happiness, and productivity all year long.
