Flowers in the workplace - good for business!

Are you feeling uninspired at work? Do you need to come up with new ideas?

Recent research proves that flowers and plants in the workplace can increase creativity amongst employees. Try putting a vase of flowers in your reception area, meeting room or on your desk!

A recent scientific study at Texas A&M University showed that just a simple vase of flowers or a leafy plant can help to produce 15 per cent more ideas and innovations in an office. The study was carried out by Dr Roger Ulrich, a professor of landscape architecture and an internationally recognised expert on the influences of surroundings on human well-being and health. He showed a positive link between flowers and plants and workplace productivity, showing that workers' idea generation, creative performance and problem solving skills improve substantially in workplaces that include flowers and plants.

During the eight month study both women and men demonstrated more innovative thinking and generated more ideas and original solutions to problems when in an office environment that included flowers and plants. Men produced 15 per cent more ideas and women generated more creative, flexible solutions when flowers and plants were present.

And don't forget your clients!

There are any number of occasions when it may be appropriate to send a gift to a client or customer - so how about flowers? According to a study carried out by Dr Jeannette Haviland-Jones at Rutgers University, when given gifts of equal monetary value, people responded most positively to a gift of flowers. Nearly all respondents reported having a 'warm glow' several days after receiving the gift!