The office plant report 2025: Greenery proven to cut stress and boost focus

More than a quarter of working Brits feel least productive in January, with an estimated two million people affected by low mood and reduced motivation as daylight hours shorten.

As workplaces prepare for another winter slump, employers are increasingly turning to simple, evidence-backed approaches to support staff.

One of the most effective is the introduction of plants and greenery into workspaces as those who spent at least 120 minutes a week around some form of nature were more likely to report good health and psychological wellbeing.

Research consistently links indoor plants with lower stress, improved cognitive function, better mood regulation and increased concentration in both office environments and home-working setups.

William Stokes, CEO at office infrastructure company Co-space, said: “Nature is one of the most powerful tools for boosting workplace energy, yet it’s often overlooked. Plants instantly change the atmosphere of a room. They soften harsh spaces, improve air quality and make people feel calmer, more focused and more motivated. The impact on wellbeing can be immediate.”

Top 10 plants recommended for boosting focus:

Workplace specialists highlighted 10 standout plants that consistently support calmer, more energising environments:

1. Snake Plant
A hardy, upright plant known for filtering indoor air and promoting clearer thinking. Its architectural leaves bring structure and visual order to a workspace, helping reduce mental clutter.

The Snake Plant thrives on minimal care, making it ideal for desks, corners and high-traffic offices where attention is limited.

2. Peace Lily
Renowned for its ability to regulate humidity and soften the atmosphere, the Peace Lily creates a calming backdrop during stressful periods. Its smooth white blooms and lush leaves add a gentle, restorative energy to meeting rooms, quiet zones and individual desks.

It also helps reduce dryness from central heating, a common source of winter fatigue.

3. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is perfect for workplaces with low natural light, offering a strong, glossy green presence that instantly lifts the room. Its slow, steady growth and sculptural form bring stability and calm.

It requires very little water or attention, ideal for busy teams or hybrid work patterns where plants may be left for days at a time.

4. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Fast-growing and naturally trailing, Pothos brings a sense of movement and freshness to stagnant spaces. Its cascading vines soften harsh lines, making it a favourite for shelves, cabinets and reception areas.

Pothos is also widely recognised for helping strip indoor pollutants from the air, supporting a cleaner, more energising work environment.

5. Rubber Plant
With its bold, glossy leaves and upright branching, the Rubber Plant acts as a strong visual anchor in any room. It helps create a grounded, stable atmosphere, which is especially beneficial in high-stress or fast-paced workplaces.

Its calm, substantial presence can make open-plan offices feel more structured and balanced.

6. Spider Plant
Often recommended for its ability to remove airborne toxins, the Spider Plant helps brighten and freshen shared spaces. Its arching leaves introduce gentle natural movement, which can reduce visual monotony and increase alertness.

It’s well suited to shelves, hanging planters and window ledges.

7. Aloe Vera
With clean, architectural lines, Aloe Vera brings clarity and minimalism to a workspace, helping create a ‘reset’ feeling ideal for focused tasks. It prefers bright light, making it an excellent addition to sunny desks or windowsills.

Its reputation as a soothing, restorative plant aligns well with workplaces aiming to lower stress and promote renewal.

8. Philodendron
Known for its soft, heart-shaped leaves, the Philodendron introduces a comforting, nurturing atmosphere. Its gentle curves help counterbalance the hard edges of office furniture, reducing subconscious stress.

Easy to care for and visually calming, it supports environments where deep focus or creative thinking is required.

9. Bamboo Palm
This plant brings a sense of openness, calm and gentle vertical movement to meeting spaces and communal areas. Often used to soften large rooms or create natural partitions, the Bamboo Palm supports feelings of relaxation and mental ease.

Its subtle presence makes it ideal for reducing heaviness in dense or crowded offices.

10. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns add lush, feathery greenery that introduces softness and natural motion, helping regulate mood and comfort. Their ability to add moisture to dry indoor air supports wellbeing during winter months.

Placed in corners, lounge areas or near windows, they create a restorative, grounded environment that encourages relaxation and reset.

Stokes continued: “People underestimate how deeply our brains respond to nature. When we bring greenery indoors, we create environments where people can think more clearly, feel more grounded and stay in a productive rhythm. It’s one of the simplest, most affordable ways businesses can improve wellbeing.”

As businesses look ahead to 2026, many are adopting biophilic principles, incorporating plants, natural textures and light, to combat burnout and build healthier, more engaging workplaces.

“We’re entering a future where wellbeing isn’t optional,” added Stokes. “Employees want spaces that support them mentally and emotionally. Plants are a powerful step in that direction, and the workplaces that embrace nature now will be the ones that see stronger energy, lower stress and better performance throughout the year.”