Working from a home office as I do, can be isolating - but it has its advantages… for example, I’ve produced this issue of KBzine from my garden in the sunshine, listening to my favourite music mixed with the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves and the tweeting of birds. Bliss! And a highly productive way to work too!

You may shortly learn through the wider media (a press release has just landed in my Inbox) that 100 officebroker.com staff are piloting a ‘take your plant to work’ scheme, aimed at boosting productivity. Workers are encouraged to bring a plant from home to keep on their desks and the idea is that they will be refreshed and inspired by them. Staff productivity will be monitored during the study.

A spokesman said: “It’s a fun study but there is a serious side to it too – we’re hoping workers will feel more focused and alert thanks to the oxygen the plants will be releasing. Also, we hope that bringing their plants from home will help them feel relaxed and more able to work.”

A salesman has already reaped the benefits, as his plant has helped him deal with stress. “I used to get really irate when deals didn’t come together or when things didn’t go according to plan,” he says. “I used to rant and rave but now I just have a chat with my spider plant and I immediately feel much better.”

Scheme inventor Chris Bonnett, of GardeningExpress.co.uk , says: “Scientific studies have proven that plants are fantastic natural air purifiers. Not only do they release oxygen but they also absorb toxins from the atmosphere. We wanted to help businesses by offering to help them make their offices happier and healthier.”

I can vouch for the fact that being surrounded by nature is good for the soul and improves productivity, so if anyone suggests that you take a plant to work, don’t laugh; get involved!

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Yours,

Jan Hobbs