Winter months can be challenging for any office environment. With reduced daylight, colder temperatures, and often stuffier air, it’s easy for an office to feel dull and sluggish. But don’t worry! By integrating elements of biophilic design, you can keep your workspace fresh, energised, and even boost employee well-being. Here are five top tips to keep your office feeling alive through the winter – and yes, adding plants is a must!

Maximise Natural Lighting

When days are shorter, natural light becomes an essential ingredient for maintaining a vibrant office. Biophilic design prioritises a connection to natural elements like sunlight, which can positively impact mood, productivity, and even the circadian rhythm of your team. If you’re limited on windows, consider rearranging the layout to make the most of what light you do get.

Pro Tip: Opt for human-centric lighting (HCL) to mimic daylight during darker hours, which helps reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Keep window blinds open, and place desks near windows to encourage more exposure to natural light.

Read our expert guide on The Role Of Light In Biophilic Design

Add More Plants

Plants are a non-negotiable in biophilic design. Not only do they bring a burst of life and colour to an otherwise grey office, but they also help purify the air. During winter, when offices are sealed up and air quality worsens, plants act as natural air filters, reducing pollutants and creating a fresher environment.

Choose low-maintenance options like spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants if you’re worried about upkeep. And if you’re tight on space, green walls or hanging planters can add greenery without taking up desk space.

The winter months can make an office feel cold and impersonal. But natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo can introduce a sense of warmth and comfort. Whether it’s through wooden desks, stone plant pots, or woollen rugs, using natural materials enhances the tactile experience of your office.

Biophilic design is all about connecting people to nature, and materials like wood also evoke calm and serenity, making your space more inviting. Don’t forget to embrace textures and patterns inspired by nature to add a rich, engaging visual experience.

Improve Airflow

Winter often means stale air in offices due to poor ventilation and heating systems. This can lead to reduced cognitive performance and a dip in well-being. Biophilic design encourages us to ensure a constant flow of fresh air, even in colder months.

While regular airing out of the office may be trickier in winter, consider using air-purifying plants or air filtration systems to maintain indoor air quality. A well-ventilated, oxygen-rich office will make employees feel more alert and energised.

Acoustics

The calming sound of water or nature can dramatically improve office ambiance, especially when outdoor elements are harder to experience during winter. Integrating a small water feature, such as a fountain or aquarium, can introduce soothing background noise and help reduce stress levels.

Water features don’t just look great; they also help increase humidity, balancing out the dry air from central heating. Plus, the biophilic design aspect connects your office to the outdoors, even when you can’t physically spend as much time outside.