The time: 12.00 hours, 15th October & 17th October
The action: to invade offices with flowers & plants
The mission: to continue to add to the overall well-being of all staff
A unit of 15 people appeared, unannounced to all but a few, in the finance and IT departments at the University of Leeds on Monday.
A similar event took place in London at the offices of TMP Worldwide, a recruitment communications company.
Armed with only stunning flowers and dramatic plants and containers the operation was all over in a little over the hour in both locations.
But what exactly was it all about? Both organisations were approached by the Flower Council of Holland earlier this year to see if they would take part in a pilot programme to measure the impact of flowers and plants might have on their staff.
Both organisations are working to improve and monitor staff well-being. The University of Leeds is the first UK university to appoint a Director of Well-being, Health & Safety.
Nina Quinlan, the University’s well-being project manager, comments, “This activity perfectly suits our goals under our well-being initiatives and today is just the start of the activity. Over the weeks ahead we will be tracking reactions, moods, motivations and attitudes to the presence of flowers and plants.”
At TMP the invasion was met with delight. Terry Lawes, European Account Director has been a driving force behind well-being at the agency and comments “Our business is fast moving, very dynamic and often extremely intense. I am confident this pilot scheme can only have a positive effect on people.”
Staff delighted
Staff at both locations were thrilled to be invaded and produced comments such as:
- Is that really for me, wow that’s great, and different too;
- How exciting, makes it more homely and a nicer place to work. I already feel happier;
- Definitely improves the atmosphere …, the plants make it less officey and more natural.
- Can we have more please?
Organisations large and small, academic and commercial are continually looking for that extra edge in business and people management. Reduced absenteeism, a greater sense of recognition, and often just a little touch of colour can all make that bit of difference.
Did you know ….?
- Flowers make us smile
- More than that, flowers trigger happy emotions and have a long-term, positive
- effect on feelings of satisfaction, enjoyment and social behaviour
- Flowers & plants improve creativity
- Plants make us feel better
- Plants ensure we take less time off sick
- Plants clean the air we breathe
- We breathe in 15,000 litres of air per day
- Plants help us feel less stressed at work
- Plants make us more creative
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