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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

Connection with nature boosts employee motivation

Ambius brings the outside in with launch of biophilia toolkit

Ambius, the world leader in enhancing buildings through planting, scenting and artwork, is making it easier for HR professionals to understand how they can boost employee engagement and productivity with the launch of the first Biophilia Toolkit available from www.ambius.co.uk/biophilia .  The launch follows a recent survey by Ambius which identified that many British workers are lacking a connection with nature and this in turn, can impact well-being and productivity. Ambius found that 1 in 5 British workers never takes a lunch break away from the office*.

Translating as ‘love of life’ or ‘love of living systems’, biophilia recognises the instinctive need for humans to be in touch with nature. Based on scientific studies, the free new toolkit accessible from www.ambius.co.uk/biophilia is designed to help HR professionals apply the principles of biophilia to the workspace. The easy to use toolkit highlights 8 elements of interior landscape design which, if adopted by organisations, will help to improve the health and well-being of their staff and in turn improve productivity. Users simply go online to view an illustration of a workspace with clickable icons that explain different ways plants, as well as sound and smell can be used to enhance the environment.

The 8 elements of biophilic interior landscape design:  

  1. 1. Create the feel of nature indoors through a degree of randomness and informality
  2. 2. Recreate the illusion of overlooking a landscape
  3. 3. Blur the boundary from outside to in
  4. 4. Create interest with light and shade through the foliage of interior plants
  5. 5. Use natural (and local) materials such as plant containers
  6. 6. Provide shelter and privacy
  7. 7. Incorporate the sound or sight of water
  8. 8. Use natural scents and perfumes to add an extra dimension


“We know that in the current climate, employees are working harder for longer and as such may not get to leave the office during their lunch break. Indeed just five minutes exposure to nature is enough to have a beneficial effect according to research carried out by Pretty and Barton at the University of Essex1.” said Ambius, International Technical Director Kenneth Freeman. “The biophilia toolkit offers businesses practical guidance on incorporating natural or nature-inspired elements in the workplace to help people reconnect with the natural environment from which they have become increasingly detached.”

“All too often plants are treated as an afterthought and we’re urging businesses and building owners to consider plants earlier in the design process to maximise the benefits they can bring.  Plants are multifunctional, they not only make us feel better, they can help remove toxins from the air, act as a cooling system and make great design statements.  The biophilia toolkit is an invaluable asset for businesses looking to create greater engagement and productivity in their workforce”, concludes Kenneth Freeman.

For a selection of accompanying photography please contact Arran Fano either by emailing arran@harrisonsadler.com or by calling 020 89779132.