---
title: Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment
description: Research by Washington State University (1996) investigated the impact of the addition of indoor plants to a college computer lab environment.
image: http://www.naava.io/hubfs/interior_plant-1.jpg
---

## Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment

Posted by [Phil Hollins](https://www.naava.io/science/author/phil-hollins) on Jun 14, 2016

**Authors:** Lohr, V.I., Pearson-Mims, C.H. and Goodwin, G.K.

**Year of publication:** 1996

**Publication:** Environ Hor 97-100

**Keywords:** [stress](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/stress), [emotional well-being](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/emotional-well-being), [office](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/office), [plants](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/plants), [productivity](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/productivity), 

[ Link to publication](http://public.wsu.edu/~lohr/hih/productivity/) 

Research by Washington State University (1996) investigated the impact of the addition of indoor plants to a college computer lab environment.

In total, 96 participants (range 18 to 46 years old) had their blood pressure and emotional well-being assessed. These tests were undertaken either in the presence or absence of plants and also whilst undertaking a timed computer task.

Each participant was assessed pre-task using a questionnaire together with blood pressure and pulse readings. Further blood pressure and pulse readings were taken during the computer task and also post-task together with a final assessment questionnaire.

The findings from statistical analysis indicate, that when plants were added to the interior space, participants’ responses were found to be:

- More productive (**12%** quicker reaction time on the computer task)
- Less stressed (systolic blood pressure readings lowered by **one** to **four** units)

Furthermore, they reported greater attentiveness (**+0.5** increase on scale) compared to those colleagues who were not exposed to plants.

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