Every year on 10 October, people around the world observe World Mental Health Day, a global awareness campaign aiming to destigmatise mental ill-health and promote access to care. As workplace pressures, isolation, and rapid change intensify, mental health matters more than ever — not only for individuals, but for businesses, communities, and society. 

In this blog, we explore an often overlooked but powerful ally in mental wellbeing: plants. From home life to the workplace, greenery can do more than decorate — it can actively support psychological health. 

The Importance of Mental Health in Everyday Life

Mental health under pressure 

Mental health challenges are pervasive. In the UK, stress, depression and anxiety accounted for majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023-24. 

Some specific issues in modern work life include: 

• Stress and burnout: High workloads, tight deadlines, unclear role boundaries, and poor work–life balance contribute to chronic stress. 

• Anxiety and rumination: Mental fatigue, overthinking, and worry can reduce focus, increase error rates, and erode morale. 

• Presenteeism and absenteeism: People coming to work while mentally unwell (presenteeism) can reduce productivity; mental health problems are a leading cause of sickness absence. 

Because mental health doesn’t stay in a vacuum — it affects performance, retention, innovation, and relationships — it’s critical to take proactive steps rather than waiting for crises. 

 

The Connection Between Nature and Mental Health 

Biophilic Design: our innate need for nature 

The concept of biophilia suggests humans have an innate affinity for nature and living organisms. Integrating natural elements into built environments (e.g. greenery, natural light, water features) is known as biophilic design. Such environments help restore attention, reduce stress, and support wellbeing. 

 

Research-backed benefits of biophilia

Numerous studies support the mental health benefits of plants and nature exposure. Some key findings: 

• A systematic review of indoor plant interventions found generally beneficial links between indoor plants and mental health outcomes, such as reductions in stress, depressive symptoms, and negative emotions. 

• A field study across offices showed that adding plants significantly reduced complaints about dry air, increased perceived attractiveness of the workspace, and lowered health-related complaints (e.g. symptoms when at work). 

• Experimental work suggests active interaction with indoor plants (e.g. touching, watering) can reduce physiological stress markers such as lowered diastolic blood pressure and reduced sympathetic nervous system activity. 

• In a mixed-method study, tending to indoor plants was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, perceived stress, negative affect, and rumination, while increasing resilience. 

• When considering cognitive and performance outcomes, one lab study found that offices with plants produced statistically better performance on cognitive tasks. 

• In the UK, a study at Exeter University reported that indoor plants improved concentration, productivity, and staff well-being by 47 %, and increased memory by up to 20 %. 

• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) notes that houseplants reduce stress levels, particularly in buildings with limited access to nature, and that offices with plants are seen as more attractive and associated with higher job satisfaction. 

In aggregate, while some studies are small or context-specific, the weight of evidence supports that plants offer meaningful psychological, physiological, and cognitive benefits.

 

The Power of Plants on Mental Health 

Here’s how plants exert their positive influence: 

1. Reducing Stress

Simply being near plant life or interacting with plants triggers calming responses. Studies show reduced blood pressure, lower heart rate, and a dampened “fight or flight” response. Even passive exposure to plants (seeing them) yields lower perceived stress.  

2. Boosting Mood and Vitality

Greenery introduces life, colour, and vibrancy into otherwise sterile spaces. That visual and sensory stimulation helps uplift mood, reduce feelings of negativity, and bring a sense of psychological restoration.  

3. Improving Air Quality

Many indoor plants can absorb certain volatile organic compounds or help moderate humidity, contributing to better indoor air. Cleaner air may reduce headaches, fatigue, and cognitive burden — which indirectly supports mental clarity. (Though note: plants aren’t a standalone air filtration solution, but a complementary one.) Some studies specifically reported fewer complaints about dry air in offices after plant introduction.  

4. Enhancing Focus & Productivity

By reducing mental fatigue and providing “micro-restorative” moments (brief attention breaks), plants help the brain reset. Some empirical work shows improved performance on tasks, better concentration, and higher subjective feelings of productivity in plant-rich settings.  

In short: happier, healthier, more alert people tend to deliver better results. 

 

Practical Ways to Use Plants for Mental Wellbeing 

Here are ideas for integrating plants in different settings: 

In Offices / Workplaces 

• Desk plants: Small potted plants like succulents, spider plants, or peace lilies can fit on desks without being obtrusive. 

• Green walls / living walls: Vertical installations can make a dramatic visual and psychological impact. 

• Communal plant zones: Shared greenery in break rooms, lobbies, or corridors encourages people to move through and engage with nature. 

• Biophilic layouts: Design meeting rooms, lounges or quiet zones with floor plants, natural textures, and views outward. 

In Hospitality / Guest Services 

• In reception areas or waiting zones, plants help soften the space and make people feel calmer. 

• In staff rest areas, greenery can offer a restorative setting during breaks. 

• Pathways, courtyards, terraces — bringing plants outdoors or semi-outdoors gives guests and staff access to nature even within built settings. 

In Homes 

• Windowsill plants: Herbs, succulents, small pots are easy to care for and brighten the environment. 

• Floor-standing plants: Fiddle leaf figs, monstera, rubber plants add scale and softness to living areas. 

• Plant clusters: Grouping plants increases humidity and creates a mini “indoor garden” feel. 

• Terrariums / bottle gardens: Low-maintenance, enclosed ecosystems that are visually interesting and soothing. 

Some plants with calming associations: lavender, rosemary, jasmine — used in horticultural therapy for mood support.  

Tip: It’s more beneficial to have several smaller plants distributed around a space than one large plant. That enables more visual touches and movement around nature.

 

World Mental Health Day – Why It Matters to Businesses

World Mental Health Day is not just symbolic for businesses, it’s a reminder that mental wellbeing is integral to performance, retention, brand, and culture. When employees feel supported, they contribute more, stay more, and sustain resilience in challenges. 

At Benholm, we can help businesses translate greenery into a strategic wellbeing tool, designing spaces where plants are functional, aesthetic, and psychologically restorative. 

Take a moment today to reflect: where in your environment could you introduce a touch of green? A small potted plant, a leafy corner, a living wall? 

Ready to make your workspace more mentally supportive? Contact us – let us help you create a greener, healthier environment for your team and your clients.