Biophilic Office Design: How to Create a Greener, Calmer Workspace

WORKSPACE DESIGN · WELLBEING · ERGONOMICS

Bring the Outdoors In: A Guide to Biophilic Office Design

Think about the spaces where you feel most comfortable. Perhaps it is a sunlit cafe filled with plants, a quiet corner overlooking a garden or a room with warm natural textures. Now imagine bringing some of that feeling into your everyday workspace.

That is the idea behind biophilic design, an approach to interiors that incorporates elements of nature into the spaces where we live and work. Rather than treating an office as a purely functional place, biophilic design considers how greenery, daylight, natural materials and the overall environment can influence how a space feels.

The good news? You do not need a huge office, a renovation budget or a wall of tropical plants to get started. A few thoughtful changes can help create a workspace that feels more personal, welcoming and connected to nature.

THE IDEA IN A NUTSHELL

A better workspace is about more than how it looks. Think natural light, a touch of greenery, comfortable furniture, visual calm and enough room to work without feeling cramped.

1. Why Is Nature Becoming Part of Modern Office Design?

Many of us spend a large part of the day indoors, moving between screens, meetings and deadlines. When a workspace feels visually harsh, cluttered or disconnected from the outside world, it may become less pleasant to spend time in.

Research into biophilic workplaces suggests that incorporating nature can support certain aspects of employee wellbeing. A 2024 systematic review examining 74 peer-reviewed papers identified greenery, views of nature and daylight with good visual comfort among the promising design elements studied.

However, it is important to keep expectations realistic. Adding plants does not automatically make everyone more productive, and the effects depend on the environment and the individual. The goal is to create a workspace that feels better to use, not to promise a productivity miracle from a potted plant.

A thoughtful mix of greenery, natural tones and comfortable seating can help an office feel more welcoming.

2. Start with Greenery, Not a Complete Makeover

Plants are one of the easiest ways to introduce nature into an office. They bring colour and texture into a room and can soften spaces that otherwise feel dominated by desks, screens and hard surfaces.

You do not need to turn the office into a jungle. Start with one or two plants and consider how they work with your existing furniture, lighting and available space.

Try These Simple Ideas

• Place a plant near your desk. Choose a spot where it adds visual interest without blocking your monitor, paperwork or movement.
• Use greenery to soften empty corners. A floor plant can make an unused corner feel intentional rather than forgotten.
• Bring plants into shared spaces. Reception areas, meeting rooms and breakout corners can benefit from a little natural colour.
• Choose plants that suit the conditions. Consider natural light, watering needs and maintenance before buying.

Snake plants and pothos are often considered beginner-friendly options, although their needs still depend on the environment. If pets or young children use the space, check plant safety before bringing them in.

Natural colours and considered furniture choices can create a consistent look across an executive workspace.

3. Make the Most of Natural Light

Lighting can change the way a workspace looks and feels. Where possible, arrange desks so that employees can benefit from daylight without dealing with uncomfortable glare on their screens.

Here are a few practical adjustments to consider:

• Keep windows and daylight sources unobstructed where practical.
• Position monitors to reduce reflections and bright glare.
• Use blinds or curtains to manage strong direct sunlight.
• Add suitable task lighting when natural light is insufficient.

In Singapore, bright daylight and heat can be part of the everyday office environment. The aim is to make natural light work for the space, rather than letting glare or heat become another distraction.

4. Choose Colours and Materials That Feel Natural

You can introduce a nature-inspired look even if your office does not have room for many plants. The colours and materials around you can help create a softer, more cohesive interior.

You do not need to use every colour or material at once. Choose a simple palette and repeat it in a few places so the workspace feels considered rather than cluttered.

5. Do Not Forget Comfort and Ergonomics

A beautiful office still needs to work for the people using it. Plants and natural finishes can improve the look of a room, but they do not replace comfortable furniture, suitable workstation adjustments or regular movement throughout the day.

If employees spend hours at a desk, consider how their chairs support their bodies, whether the workstation can be adjusted to fit them and whether there is enough space to move comfortably.

A Quick Ergonomic Checklist

• Adjust chair height so your feet are supported and your posture feels stable.
• Use suitable back support and adjust the chair to fit your body.
• Position your screen at a comfortable viewing height and distance.
• Keep your keyboard and mouse close enough to avoid repeatedly reaching forward.
• Make room for regular posture changes and movement breaks.

When selecting office seating, look for adjustability and a fit that suits the person using it. Explore the Ergohuman chair collection for seating designed around adjustability and everyday desk work.

A SIMPLE PLACE TO START

The 15-Minute Workspace Refresh

Want to make your workspace feel a little better today? Start small.

1. Clear unnecessary items from your desk.
2. Move your screen and chair into a more comfortable position.
3. Add a suitable plant or another natural accent.
4. Check whether your lighting creates screen glare.
5. Step away from your desk for a short movement break.

Small improvements are easier to maintain when they suit your space and daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is biophilic office design?

Biophilic office design incorporates elements of nature into a workplace. Common examples include indoor plants, daylight, views of nature, natural colours and materials, and layouts that make the environment feel more connected to the outdoors.

Do office plants improve productivity?

Research suggests that greenery may support aspects of workplace wellbeing, but results vary across studies and settings. Plants alone cannot guarantee better productivity. Lighting, comfort, workload, noise and workstation design also matter.

How can I make a small office feel greener?

Start with a small desk plant, a suitable floor plant or a few green accessories. Keep walkways clear and choose items that fit the amount of light and space available. A small, consistent colour palette can make the room feel cohesive.

Can biophilic design work in a windowless office?

Yes. You can introduce real plants that suit the available lighting, nature-inspired colours, natural textures and images of natural landscapes. These elements can help shape the atmosphere, although they are not a replacement for suitable lighting and indoor environmental conditions.

Is ergonomic furniture part of biophilic design?

Ergonomics and biophilic design are different approaches, but they can complement each other. Biophilic design focuses on our connection with nature, while ergonomics focuses on fitting the workspace to the people using it. Combining both can create an environment that looks inviting and functions well.

A Better Workspace Starts with Thoughtful Choices

Creating a more nature-inspired office does not have to mean starting from scratch. Begin with the basics: bring in some greenery, make better use of daylight, choose a considered colour palette and ensure your furniture supports the way you work.

The best workspace is not simply the one that looks good in a photograph. It is the one that feels comfortable, supports your everyday needs and makes spending time there a little more enjoyable.

Whether you are refreshing a home office or planning a larger workplace, small, thoughtful changes can help bring the space closer to the way you want to work and feel.