Nature moves in for National plants@work Week with ‘The Green Journey’

This July, the traditional office environment is getting a much-needed breath of fresh air. From 6-10 July 2026, the plants@work association is launching its flagship initiative ‘The Green Journey’ for National plants@work Week.

Designed to shatter the monotony of the standard workspace, ‘The Green Journey’ is a unique, mobile installation that brings the restorative power of nature directly to the doorsteps of business parks across the country. By converting a large-scale vehicle into a high-impact biophilic oasis, the association says it aims to prove that nature is not merely decorative—it is a workplace essential.

“For too long, we have treated office plants as an afterthought,” said Kenneth Freeman, of Purposeful Places and plants@work Chairman. “The Green Journey is our way of showing businesses that biophilic design—the practice of connecting people with nature—is a scientifically proven strategy for improving cognitive function, reducing stress, and fostering a healthier, more productive office culture. When nature works with you, you work better.”

As modern workplaces navigate the ongoing challenges of employee wellbeing, burnout, and the need for renewed office engagement, ‘The Green Journey’ offers a tangible, hands-on solution.

The installation features two distinct zones designed to reset the working mindset:

• The Relaxation Sanctuary: A quiet, lush decompression chamber filled with plants. Employees are invited to step inside for a brief, guided “biophilic reset” designed to lower cortisol levels and sharpen mental focus.
• The Potting Lab: An interactive space where workers can engage directly with nature. Participants will be guided on how to select and care for their own “desk companion” plant, reinforcing the vital link between environmental nurture and professional productivity.

Adding the design vision behind the project, Ian Drummond, of Ian Drummond Botanical Design and plants@work Ambassador and lead designer of The Green Journey, commented: “Let’s be honest: the traditional office can feel sterile. The hum of the computer, the endless emails, and the four walls that never seem to change. But this July, we are changing the scenery—literally. We want to show people that a green office isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about human performance.”

Speaking about the installation Shirley Smith of Botanica Nurseries and plants@work Social Secretary focused on the psychological benefits of the workplace. She said: “We are seeing a profound shift in what employees require to feel engaged and valued. Initiatives like ‘The Green Journey’ are crucial because they don’t just talk about wellness; they provide a physical, restorative space that validates the employee’s need for comfort in an era where work-life balance is often blurred.”

Karen Carberry of phs Greenleaf and plants@work Committee Member added: “When you step into ‘The Green Journey,’ you instantly leave the stress of the workday at the door. We wanted to create a real escape, surrounding you with lush, vibrant plants that transform an ordinary van into a true oasis. It’s been such a joy to pull this together with the rest of the plants@work team.”

The National plants@work Week campaign challenges the “soulless office” narrative. By providing a direct experience for employees, the association hopes to encourage facilities managers and HR professionals to prioritise greening their office spaces as a high-return, long-term investment in staff mental health and organisational culture.