Blog

Google is clear about this. In its offices in Mountain View and London, indoor gardens, plant-filled terraces and rooftops, as well as outdoor green spaces, are often areas where teams can meet, relax, or simply switch off for a few minutes during the day. The greenery is not just an aesthetic bonus: it is a commitment to wellbeing and performance.

But you do not have to be a tech giant to design healthier, more human workspaces. There are other examples, less high-profile but just as inspiring, that show how being surrounded by plants can improve wellbeing and transform the everyday work experience.

What changes when you bring greenery into the workplace?

Plants filter the air, regulate temperature, dampen noise—thanks to their leaves and structures that absorb sound—and create an immediate sense of calm. It has been proven that they improve concentration and reduce stress. A study led by Harvard found that working in sustainable buildings—with good ventilation and natural elements—boosts cognitive function by up to 26%.

In a work environment marked by constant notifications, video calls, and multitasking, staying focused is a real challenge. Being surrounded by green creates a calmer atmosphere, helping you to concentrate and work with less tension.

Inspiring examples beyond Silicon Valley:

Campus Repsol (Madrid). An indoor garden the size of a football pitch is the central feature of this corporate building designed to look after both the planet and its workers. With large windows, greenery that regulates thermal comfort, and energy efficiency systems, it has LEED Platinum certification.

Campus Palmas Altas (Seville). This is a complex of seven buildings set on either side of a large central plaza with courtyards, terraces, and partially sunken areas with vegetation. Being at a lower level, these offer more shade and a cooler temperature for much of the year. The entire complex is designed to reduce energy consumption and avoid the heat island effect—the build-up of heat in densely built-up areas—creating a fresher, more pleasant work environment.

Shui On WorkX (Shanghai). A coworking space where nature is not an add-on, but the guiding thread of the design. The interior features vertical gardens, plants suspended above communal areas, and natural materials such as wood, grey stone and organic fabrics. An environment designed to reduce mental fatigue and foster creativity.