Green Walls in Offices: Boosting Productivity, Mood and Branding

As workplaces evolve, many companies are exploring ways to support wellbeing, focus, and a positive impression on clients. One increasingly popular feature is the office green wall—a vertical installation of living or artificial greenery that adds natural texture and calm to indoor spaces.

The concept is rooted in biophilic design—the idea that humans benefit from a closer connection to nature. Dr Craig Knight at the University of Exeter found that bringing nature into offices can boost productivity by up to 15%, alongside increases in job satisfaction and wellbeing (University of Exeter, 2014).

Green walls offer a practical and visually striking way to apply biophilic principles indoors. The combination of plant life, natural textures, and calming aesthetics creates a sense of calm that counteracts stress—especially valuable in high-pressure office environments.

Here are some of the ways a living wall can benefit your office space:

1. Improved Focus and Productivity🧠

Access to greenery can support better concentration and mental stamina. Even short exposure to plants has been linked to improved memory and clearer thinking.

2. Better Mood and Wellbeing 😊

Green walls can reduce stress and improve the indoor environment. Research from the University of Reading found indoor plants reduced anxiety by up to 37%, while also improving energy and mood. In Ireland, the government’s Green and Blue Spaces and Mental Health policy brief (2021) confirmed that access to natural elements in urban settings—including vertical greenery—supports mental health, especially in settings where people spend long hours indoors. This is something we know from personally experience hence why so many of us love nature walks in the forest, by the sea or a hike up the mountain. Nature is calming and allows us to think.

3. Stronger Client Impressions 💪

A green wall in a reception or meeting area can subtly communicate care, creativity, and environmental awareness—qualities that help shape how clients and partners perceive your brand.

4. Encouraging a Return to the Office 📈

For teams still adjusting to hybrid or remote work, a well-designed, welcoming office can make a big difference. Green walls help create a space people actually want to be in—making the return to the office feel less like a demand and more like an invitation. This can lead to better collaboration, stronger team bonds, and a more engaged workforce.

5. Sound Absorption 🔇

Living green walls can also reduce unwanted noise, especially useful in open-plan offices, busy shared workspaces or buildings close to roads or bars. This means in person meetings are not being disturbed and employees don't need to constantly mute and unmute their microphones on Zoom/Teams.

A Potential Drawback: Upfront Cost — or Long-Term Value?

One of the most common concerns businesses raise is the initial cost of installing a green wall. Compared to a coat of paint or a few potted plants, a high-quality green wall—especially a living one—can seem like a bigger financial commitment upfront.

However, this cost should be seen as an investment, not just an expense. According to the UK Green Building Council, sustainable design features like green infrastructure can increase property value, reduce energy bills, and improve employee retention—all of which contribute to your bottom line over time.

What’s more, green walls often pay for themselves indirectly by reducing sick days, improving staff productivity, and even boosting client conversions thanks to a better first impression. And with modular systems and flexible designs now widely available, it’s easier than ever to scale a solution that fits your budget.

So yes, there’s a cost—but it’s one that returns value across your entire business.

A Smart Investment for Forward-Thinking Businesses

Investing in an office green wall isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that supports your team and reflects your values. Whether you're aiming to retain top talent, improve client trust, or support ESG goals, a green wall delivers returns in multiple forms: productivity, wellbeing, brand image, and long-term sustainability.

At ChangingGreen.co.uk, we help businesses across the UK and Ireland design and install beautiful green wall systems—tailored to their space, brand, and values. Get in touch today and see how we can help you, we're always happy to help!

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📧 contact@changinggreen.co.uk