In a surprising and somewhat humorous twist, a recent study has confirmed what many office workers have long suspected: office plants are better listeners than their human coworkers. The research, conducted by the Institute for Workplace Studies (IWS), sheds light on the therapeutic benefits of having plants in the workplace and suggests that your leafy green desk companion might just be the best confidant you’ve ever had.
The Study
The study, titled “Leafy Listeners: The Role of Office Plants in Employee Wellbeing,” was led by Dr. Fern Leafington, a leading expert in workplace psychology. The research involved over 1,000 office workers across various industries who were asked to rate their interactions with both their coworkers and the office plants around them.
Participants were asked to engage in conversations with their coworkers and their office plants over a two-week period, sharing thoughts, frustrations, and everyday musings. The study then measured levels of satisfaction, perceived empathy, and overall mood improvement after each interaction.
To the astonishment of the researchers, 78% of participants reported feeling more listened to and understood after “conversations” with their plants compared to their human coworkers. Furthermore, 64% of participants noted a significant mood improvement after chatting with their leafy friends, as opposed to just 37% after conversing with coworkers.
Why Plants Make Better Listeners
Dr. Leafington provided insights into why plants may have this surprising effect. “Plants have a calming presence that naturally puts people at ease,” she explained. “They don’t interrupt, judge, or offer unsolicited advice. Instead, they simply ‘listen,’ providing a nonjudgmental space for people to express themselves.”
The study found that the very act of talking to a plant—whether it’s a fern, cactus, or a flowering succulent—can have a soothing effect on the speaker. The lack of response from the plant allows individuals to fully articulate their thoughts without fear of being misunderstood or criticized.
Additionally, the presence of plants has been linked to lower stress levels and improved air quality, which could further contribute to the overall sense of wellbeing that participants experienced during the study.
Employee Testimonials
To get a better understanding of how office plants have become such cherished “listeners,” the IWS interviewed several study participants who shared their personal experiences.
“I’ve got this little spider plant named Charlotte on my desk,” said Laura Green, an administrative assistant. “Whenever I’m stressed out or need to vent about something, I just talk to Charlotte. She doesn’t judge me or try to one-up my story like some of my coworkers. It’s actually really comforting.”
Mark Bloom, an accountant, echoed similar sentiments. “I used to try to talk to my coworkers about my frustrations, but I always ended up feeling worse. Either they didn’t really listen, or they’d just wait for their turn to talk. But when I talk to my snake plant, Slither, it’s different. I can just unload all my thoughts, and it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
These testimonials highlight a common theme: the therapeutic value of being able to express oneself without interruption or judgment, something that many employees feel is lacking in their human interactions at work.
The Impact on Office Culture
The findings of the study have sparked a new conversation about the role of plants in the workplace and how they might be leveraged to improve employee wellbeing. While the study doesn’t suggest replacing human interaction with plant conversations entirely, it does emphasize the importance of having a supportive and understanding work environment.
Some companies have already taken notice of the study’s findings and are exploring ways to incorporate more greenery into their office spaces. Janet Fields, HR director at a tech startup, shared how her company is responding to the research. “We’ve always known that plants have a positive effect on our office environment, but this study takes it to a whole new level. We’re planning to introduce more plants into our workspace and encourage employees to ‘talk’ to them as a form of stress relief.”
There’s also a growing interest in “plant therapy” sessions, where employees are encouraged to spend time with their office plants during breaks or after particularly stressful meetings. These sessions are seen as a way to help employees decompress and regain focus.
Expert Opinions
While the study has garnered attention and sparked discussion, not everyone is convinced that plants are the ultimate solution to workplace stress. Dr. Ivy Rootwell, a workplace communication expert, offered a more cautious perspective. “It’s clear that plants can have a calming effect, but we shouldn’t overlook the importance of human interaction and genuine communication in the workplace. While plants may offer a temporary reprieve, fostering better communication skills among coworkers is ultimately more beneficial in the long run.”
Dr. Rootwell suggested that the findings could be used to highlight the need for better listening skills in the workplace. “If employees are turning to plants for comfort, it may be a sign that we need to work on our own ability to listen and support each other. Training in active listening and empathy could help bridge the gap.”
The Future of Office Plants
The study has not only changed the way people view their office greenery but has also inspired a wave of new trends in office design and culture. Companies are now exploring ways to create plant-friendly workspaces that encourage interaction between employees and their leafy companions.
There’s also been a surge in interest in “companion plants” for offices, with nurseries reporting increased sales of easy-to-care-for varieties like pothos, ZZ plants, and peace lilies. Some companies are even considering offering “plant adoption” programs, where employees can choose a plant to keep on their desk and nurture throughout their time at the company.
Looking ahead, the relationship between humans and plants in the workplace seems poised to grow even stronger. As more studies highlight the benefits of biophilic design—the incorporation of natural elements into the built environment—it’s likely that plants will play an increasingly important role in promoting employee wellbeing.
Conclusion
The discovery that office plants are better listeners than coworkers is both amusing and enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on the role of greenery in our lives. While the study doesn’t suggest that we should replace human interaction with plant conversations entirely, it does highlight the value of having a nonjudgmental, calming presence in the workplace.
As companies look for new ways to support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing, the humble office plant may become an unlikely hero. Whether it’s providing a listening ear, improving air quality, or simply adding a touch of green to the office, plants have proven that they’re more than just decorative— they’re essential companions in the modern workplace.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or just need someone to talk to, consider turning to your trusty office plant. It may not respond, but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
