Increase employee engagement with plants at work

Caring for plants in your workplace

Tips on how to select and nurture your own workplace garden By Karen Schmidt Frontline Leadership Expert

Caring for plants in your workplace Page 2

Let’s Grow! © 2012 www.letsgrow.com.au

What your plants say about your organisation Organisations large and small are all looking for ways to increase productivity and engagement without spending a lot of money. Whilst I talk to my clients about a variety of ways to achieve this, I always come back to my central theme of “workplace gardening”. I believe that having a great workplace is like having a great garden and that the leaders in a workplace should think more like gardeners. I want to go one step further and encourage people to have actual gardens at work in the form of pot plants. Flowers on the reception desk can be nice but they are dead. Plants are living and breathing organisms, like the living and breathing organisms that inhabit offices. I can tell a lot about an organisation simply by walking in the front door and looking around at their office plants. To me, they are a marker of what’s going on, what gets attention and what doesn’t. Here’s what I mean . . .

• Don’t have any? This is a sterile work environment that feels unnatural

• Have fake ones? From a distance it seems you care but up close the truth comes out

• Paying someone else to manage them? You probably want to

outsource all your HR too because you think its a waste of time

• Hire them rather than own them? You don’t want long term relationships with staff either

• Covered in dust? They are neglected and left to fend for

themselves like your staff

• Container full of dead leaves or rubbish? This signifies plant abuse and a disrespect for nature

So if this list reminds you of where you work, do something about it! Start a trend by bringing in your own plant and encourage others to do the same. Pay some attention to any plants you do have and see if the spirit of gardening can be ignited in your workplace.



The benefits of plants at work Having plants in your workplace does more than simply provide a boost to morale. There is scientific evidence on the role that plants play in improving the productivity of your staff. Here are just some examples:

• A 2004 study by Dr Virginia Lohr of Washington State University found that students working in a computer laboratory that contained plants were 12% more efficient than students performing the same tasks in a room that was completely free of foliage.

• Bio-Safe Incorporated found that sealed office environments are

often 10 times more polluted than the air outside. This can lead to a marked increase in employee illness from poor indoor air quality. However research has shown that plant-filled rooms contain 50%-60% fewer airborne moulds and bacteria than rooms without plants.

• According to a study from Washington State University, plants

release moisture in an office environment creating a humidity level matching the recommended human comfort range of 30% to 60%. A comfortable office environment is definitely more conducive to productivity.

• A live study conducted in Norway found that introducing plants to

the workplace decreases absenteeism from 15% to 5%. It also found that placing a plant near a worker or two could save a company up to 10% of a person’s salary.

• The Texas A&M University research team explored the link

between flowers and plants and workplace productivity. They found that both women and men demonstrated more innovative thinking, generating more ideas and original solutions to problems in the office environment that included flowers and plants.

• Research findings from The Foliage for Clean Air Council and

National Academy of Science concluded that the proper selection and placement of indoor plants can lower building heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%.



Selecting the right plants According to the book “How to grow fresh air” by Dr B C Wolverton, some of the best indoor plants for reducing toxins are:

Anthurium Dieffenbachia Lady Palm Rubber plant

Boston Fern Peace Lily Poinsettia Dracena

Wax Begonia Snake Plant Prayer Plant Bromeliad (my favourite)



10 tips to help your office plants thrive

1. Light

2. Water

3. Fertiliser

4. Air quality

5. Pests

6. Cleaning

7. Maintenance

8. Soil

9. Repotting 10. Give them a break



1. Light The two important factors for providing light to an indoor plant are duration and intensity. In other words, how long the plants are exposed to the light and the strength of the light. The average plant needs 8 to 16 hours of light a day to thrive. That light can come from overhead bulbs, with fluorescent being the best because they provide a far more intense light than standard globes. However, natural light from a window is even better so consider where you keep your plant. Whilst putting your plant in a room without windows might brighten up the decor, you are going to shorten the life of your plant. You may also need to move your plant around with the seasons. Perhaps there is too much light and heat in Summer for your plant to sit right next to the window but this might be ideal in Winter when the sun is less intense and the days are shorter. Some of the signs that your plant is not getting the right amount of light can include burnt leaves, lack of flowers or loss of pigmentation on variegated (multi-coloured) leaves. Generally, plants that bloom, bare fruit or have variegated foliage need more light than plants with plain green foliage.



2. Water Both under-watering and over-watering can be detrimental to your indoor plant. The best way to determine whether a plant needs water is to check the soil moisture. Use your finger as most moisture meters are often inaccurate. If you have soil sticking to your finger then the plant has enough water. If your finger comes out clean then watering is required. Most potted plants must be allowed to reach an appropriate level of dryness in between watering. However, don’t leave it until the leaves are drooping as some plants cannot recover from drying out completely. Equally, over-watering a plant can result in root rot and other fungus diseases. Over-watering is, in fact, the easiest way to kill a cactus. Pour the water over the surface of the soil slowly until it begins to drain out the bottom of the pot. Obviously this is best done over a sink unless the pot comes with a built in saucer for capturing excess water. In the case of plants such as Bromeliads, water should be poured into their central “well” rather than the surrounding soil. If you can, keep your plant in a pot that allows for watering from the bottom as top-watering leaches minerals from the soil into the drain pan which means you will need to fertilise your plant more often. Also remember to water the leaves as many plants take in their water this way. A spray bottle is best for this. There are some exceptions to this rule so check on the type of plant you have before proceeding.



3. Fertiliser The role of fertiliser is to provide your plant with all the necessary nutrients it needs to grow. No matter how good the soil, every plant needs extra help to grow. In nature this would be provided by animal droppings, rotting fruit and leaf litter. Indoors you need to provide these nutrients instead. You have two options when it comes to fertilising your indoor plant.

1. Apply a liquid fertiliser (such as Thrive or Seasol) once a fortnight, pouring the solution over the foliage and the soil

2. Use a slow release fertiliser (such as

Osmacote or fertiliser spikes) placed on top of the soil once every 3 to 4 months

Each option has advantages and disadvantages. For example, liquid is messier to apply and needs to be done more regularly, whilst the slow release types can look messy in the pot or be forgotten about entirely. Remember, over fertilising your plant can be just as harmful as not fertilising at all. If you have a more exotic plant (such as an African Violet or Orchid) you may need to purchase a specific fertiliser rather than use a general purpose product.



4. Air quality Moisture in the atmosphere is as important to human health and wellbeing as it is to house plants. The ideal humidity for plants and humans ranges from 35% to 65%. Plants themselves are natural humidifiers so the drier the air the more moisture a plant gives off. Probably the simplest way to provide humidity for a plant is to mist its leaves regularly. Grouping plants together is also helpful as plant leaves will catch and hold transpired moisture from neighbouring plants. The movement of fresh, moist air helps plants to breathe, so when grouping plants together always leave room for air circulation. The average office plant has to deal with the affects of a highly unnatural form of air . . . airconditioning. You should avoid drafts or sudden changes of air temperature around plants. Also watch out for placing them near devices that let off fumes or steam, such as heaters, kettles or microwaves, so the kitchen may not be the best position either.



5. Pests Careful inspection of new plants before bringing them into your office is advisable. So if you were ever thinking of taking a plant from your garden and turning it into an office plant make sure you check for pests first. The last thing you want is an infestation! However, despite your best efforts plants can still become infested with pests, even indoors. The insects most commonly found on house plants include:

• mealybugs • spider mites • aphids • scale

Their impact can range from discolouring leaves and eating budding flowers to stunting plant growth and causing the plant to die. When pest control is necessary, non-toxic or less toxic substances can offer effective control and are less likely to cause irritation to your colleagues. Remember, one of the goals of having plants in the office is to reduce the amount of toxins in the air so don’t add to them by using chemical based pest control methods. Some low toxic pest control ideas you can try are:

• Pyrethrum based sprays • very weak solution of dishwashing liquid • cotton buds dipped in rubbing alcohol • insecticidal soaps

Of course you need to practice good hygiene and the follow the usual occupational health and safety guidelines before using even low impact products in your office.



6. Cleaning All plants can benefit from a clean every now and then. After all, they need to keep their foliage clean so they can undertake the important task of photosynthesis. In the wild, rain would take care of this task plus the plant would not be subject to as many man-made chemicals as it is in the average office. However, in the workplace it is up to you to perform this task. You really don’t need to use chemicals to do the job. Probably the easiest methods involve using a damp cloth to wipe over the leaves every few weeks or misting the plant using a spray bottle. With larger plants it may be more practical to take them outside and use a hose or a bucket of water or you could be in for a long and slow process. Be careful not to rub too hard or you will damage the leaves. Remember, if you have applied any pest control measures you will need to re-apply them after the plant has been cleaned.



7. Maintenance In order to keep looking their best and to reduce the chances of pests and disease becoming an issue, all indoor plants require some regular maintenance. Here are the four key tasks you should perform on a regular basis to ensure your plant remains in good condition:

1. Remove dead leaves or flower spikes that are still on the plant or have fallen into the container

2. Top up the soil with good quality potting mix to ensure the

roots remain covered at all times

3. Turn the plant so that all the leaves get access to good light and none are receiving too much light

4. Give the pot a clean on the outside to keep it looking good too

Remember, the state of your plants can be a reflection on the state of your office in general. Make it a habit to maintain your office plants on a weekly or fortnightly basis and, if you are the prime carer of the plants, to put in place a backup system so they are cared for if you are away for an extended period. Regular maintenance will also help you to pick up on any issues that need addressing and it makes the job so much quicker and easier than if you leave it for an extended period.



8. Soil At some point in the life of your plant the time will come to replace the soil. This happens for a number of reasons, including the soil becoming water repellent or infected by some of kind of disease or insect. Garden experts advise that it is a good idea to change the soil for pot plants at least once a year, more if the plant you are growing requires a high level of nutrients such as flowering or fruiting plants. It is vital that you use a good quality potting mix rather than actual soil from your own garden or you risk introducing pests and disease. The potting mix you choose should be matched to the plant you are growing especially when dealing with Cactus, African Violets or Orchids as growing them in standard potting mix can at worst kill them or at the very least prevent them from flowering. Remember when handling potting mix that it may contain air borne particles. You need to be careful when opening the bag that you don’t inhale any of them. A good rule is to also wear gloves so that none of the potting mix can enter your skin and cause an infection. When topping up the soil in a pot do not cover up the stem of the plant as this will inhibit growth. Simply fill up to the level of the original soil. Finally, there are extra products you can add to your potting mix to help with water retention and fertilising. Ask at your local garden store what they recommend.



9. Repotting If you are looking after your plant and it is growing and thriving then the time will eventually come for you to consider repotting it. Generally a plant can stay in a pot for up to 2 years. Without repotting the plant risks becoming root bound with roots even starting to grow outside the pot. This can also cause the pot to crack as the plant struggles to grow in a confined space. Choose a new pot that is large enough for the plants medium term needs so that you don’t have to repeat the process too often. Also make sure you introduce a good quality potting mix and remove as much of the old mix as you can as it is likely to no longer contain the necessary nutrients the plant needs to grow. Make sure you “tease out” the existing roots so they have a chance to find their way into the new soil. If you need to cut off some roots don’t take off too many or the plant may not survive. Depending on the plant you may also need to stake it for a while to help it adjust to it’s new environment and allow the roots to take hold in the new soil. Whenever you disturb the root system you may cause the plant to "react" or go into shock. This reaction could be in the form of dropping leaves, drooping or wilting leaves and brown tips. You need to pay the plant extra attention at this time, in the form of water and fertiliser, to help it through.



10. Give them a break All plants are naturally designed to grow outdoors so the term “indoor plant” is actually a myth. What you are really dealing with is a plant that requires lower levels of light to grow. This means that from time to time you need to take your indoor plants outside. This is also important when you consider the chemicals that are present in the average office, chemicals that are not always good for plants. Some people like to have a few different plants so they can regularly “rest them” outside before bringing them back inside. This also gives you the opportunity to have some variety in your plants. When placing your indoor plant outside you need to consider not only the amount of light it will receive but whether it will be exposed to damaging winds, attack by pests or animals and even harm from people brushing past or using the pot as an ashtray! Remember, the goal is to bring your plant back inside in better condition than when it went out so think carefully about where you rest your plant. Some people even go as far as putting a sign on it so no one thinks it has been abandoned.



About the author

Karen Schmidt from Let’s Grow! is an award winning speaker, workshop leader, facilitator and coach who has a passion for growing managers into engaging leaders. Karen’s philosophy is simple . . . she believes that being a great leader is like being a great gardener. She uses this philosophy to help people understand how to develop a more natural approach to leading that yields results. Originally a Human Resources practitioner, Karen has been nurturing frontine leaders for more than 20 years.

Her experience comes from working with organisations of all shapes and sizes representing industries as diverse as IT, financial services, direct selling, manufacturing, education, retail, the military and professional associations. Along the way she has led teams of permanent, temporary and volunteer workers. To add to her practical experience she holds a degree in Adult Education and formal qualifications in Human Resource Management and Facilitation. She is the author of “Lessons in leading from the garden” and “Keep ‘em keen: a guide for managers on engaging people of all ages and career stages”. Today she works with frontline leaders across Australia, New Zealand and Asia in a diverse range of industries to help them create more engaging workplaces. Her clients include corporates, government departments, professional associations, educational institutions and community groups. Karen continues to grow her knowledge base and practical experience through her membership of organisations such as the National Speakers Association of Australia, Australian Institute of Management and the Institute of Learning Professionals. She has been recognised by the International Federation for Professional Speakers as a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest level of accreditation for speaker’s internationally and held by only 10% of members. Karen was the winner of the National Speakers Association of Australia (NSAA) QLD "Speaker of the year" award in 2006. She is the NSAA Queensland Chapter 2012 President. In her spare time she likes to volunteer at her local community garden and grow her skills as a social ballroom dancer.



Lessons in leading from the garden How thinking like a gardener will make you a better leader There are many similarities between creating a thriving garden and creating a thriving organisation. Whether you have one pot plant sitting on your desk (one employee) or a plot of land that would rival the botanic gardens (many employees) the basic rules are the same. Get it right and your plants will thrive (your people will grow). Get it wrong and you will be left with a dead and dying garden (high turnover or worse, high disengagement). Gardening can be a rewarding pursuit. There is nothing better than seeing plants grow even if there is hard work involved and a long gap between effort and result (just like leading a team). So what can business leaders learn from gardeners about what it takes to nurture their teams and get their organisation to bloom? Discover the secrets to naturally engaging leadership in this easy to read and practical book that will introduce you to:

• The basic principles of “workplace gardening” • 12 simple activities that grow more productive people • Keeping engagement at the heart of everything you do • 5 qualities naturally engaging leaders cultivate • Getting your leaders working as a team to maximise their results • Detailed guide to nurturing the next crop of engaging leaders

Now available in 2 formats: Printed softcover book A$27.50 Ebook A$16.50 To order your copy visit www.letsgrow.com.au



Keep ‘em keen A guide for managers on engaging people of all ages and career stages It used to be that the biggest staffing problem managers had to deal with was high turnover. Today, the real issue is engagement . . . finding ways to get staff to do more than just turn up to work physically. It’s about finding ways to engage them mentally and emotionally. For some organisations lack of engagement is an ongoing issue, for others it is more circumstantial. Whatever the cause the result is the same: lack of engagement is a real issue with real costs attached. Find out what it takes to keep your people keen at work by learning about:

• How to tell if your people are Green, Keen, Mean or Has Beens • Why “engageability” is a critical factor when hiring new people • What it really costs to have less than engaged people • Tips for dealing with the “deadwood” in your organisation • 3 keys to creating a highly productive workforce • The secrets to engaging people of all generations • Effective ways to engage people no matter what their career stage • The simple strategies that separate engaging managers from the rest • Plus all the latest engagement terminology so you can sound like an expert

Now available in 2 formats: Printed softcover book A$27.50 Ebook A$16.50 To order your copy visit www.letsgrow.com.au

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Increase employee engagement with plants at work