Why offices feel flat after Christmas — and how greenery restores energy

When Christmas decorations come down, many workplaces suddenly feel bare, quiet and lacking energy. That visual shift isn’t imagined – it has a real impact on how people feel, work and engage with their environment.

The New Year presents an opportunity not just to reset goals, but to refresh the space where those goals are achieved. One of the simplest and most effective ways to restore vibrancy is by introducing greenery and biophilic design into the workplace.

The challenge: The post-Christmas dip

This contrast often amplifies what was previously unnoticed: blank walls, grey tones, unused corners or sterile breakout areas.

Research into workplace wellbeing and environmental psychology consistently shows that environments lacking natural elements can contribute to:

Reduced focus and motivation
Higher stress levels
Fatigue or cognitive overload
Lower emotional engagement with the workspace

In other words: the office environment affects how people feel — and January exposes that more than any other month.

commercial Christmas installations trees

During December, offices typically feel warmer, brighter and more inviting. Decorations introduce:

Colour
Texture
Seasonal lighting
Temporary focal points

These elements create a sense of connection and emotional lift.

However, once everything is removed, spaces can feel:

Disconnected from company culture
Flat and empty
Stark or overly functional
Lacking visual warmth

This contrast often amplifies what was previously unnoticed: blank walls, grey tones, unused corners or sterile breakout areas.

Research into workplace wellbeing and environmental psychology consistently shows that environments lacking natural elements can contribute to:

Reduced focus and motivation
Higher stress levels
Fatigue or cognitive overload
Lower emotional engagement with the workspace

In other words: the office environment affects how people feel — and January exposes that more than any other month.

The solution: introducing nature back into the workplace

Greenery offers an immediate antidote to the post-Christmas drop in atmosphere. Unlike decorations, planting provides long-term value and measurable benefits for employees and the organisation.

Studies on biophilic design, wellbeing and interior planting demonstrate that including indoor plants in workspaces can:

Improve concentration and productivity
Boost morale and mood
Reduce stress and anxiety
Increase creativity and problem-solving
Strengthen workplace pride and belonging
Improve indoor air quality

Even subtle planting — a feature planter, a moss wall, or natural displays in reception — can transform the tone of a space.

When designed intentionally, planting becomes more than decoration: it becomes part of how a workplace feels, performs and represents the brand.

What this looks like in practice:

Depending on space and need, planting solutions may include:

Feature planters for receptions or collaboration spaces
Desk planting for individual work areas
Living walls or moss panels
Rotational planting that changes seasonally
Floristry displays to soften meeting rooms
Planter clusters to improve zoning and layout flow

These additions bring life, colour and movement into previously empty or unused areas.

interior plant display understairs planted

The outcome: a space that supports energy, wellbeing and productivity

Refreshing the workplace with greenery gives employees a sense of renewal for the New Year. Instead of walking into a sparse environment after the holidays, teams return to a space that feels inspiring, intentional and cared for.

Organisations that invest in workspace greenery report benefits including:

Stronger first impressions for clients and visitors
Increased employee satisfaction and retention
A workspace that feels welcoming rather than purely functional
Improved alignment with wellbeing and ESG commitments
A year-round environment that reflects company values

For workplaces rethinking culture, hybrid working or employee experience, planting provides an immediate, visible step forward.

Who benefits from workplace planting?

Stakeholder	Benefit
Facilities & Operations Teams	Low-maintenance greenery that improves space quality without disruption
HR & Wellbeing Leaders	Supports mental wellbeing, workplace culture and engagement
Workplace Experience & ESG Teams	Demonstrates commitment to sustainability and employee experience
Employees	A more inspiring, calming and enjoyable place to work

How to introduce greenery into your workplace

If your office feels empty after removing festive décor, here’s how to bring vibrancy back in:

Start with a workplace review

Walk your space and identify:

High-traffic areas
Visitor routes
Unused corners
Meeting rooms or breakout spaces
Reception and first-impression points

These areas provide the greatest immediate impact.

Choose focal areas, not random planting

Strategically placed greenery enhances layout flow, supports zoning and helps guide movement through the workspace.

Think of planting as part of the interior design, not an accessory.

Add feature displays or live walls

A single striking display or biophilic feature can instantly elevate:

Reception areas
Boardrooms
Shared workspaces
Collaboration hubs

Large-scale greenery creates a memorable visual identity.

Select low-maintenance plant species

Modern office plants are selected for:

Longevity
Tolerance to indoor environments
Easy maintenance
Consistent appearance

This ensures workplaces look fresh without requiring employee upkeep.

Consider rotational planting

Just as retail and hospitality spaces refresh seasonally, workplaces benefit from subtle variation throughout the year.

Rotational displays ensure the environment always feels current and well cared for.

At a glance for Senior Leaders

C-Suite & Leadership Teams

Introducing office planting supports strategic workplace goals including improved employee wellbeing, increased productivity and a stronger workplace experience. A well-designed environment reflects brand values and helps attract and retain talent in hybrid working environments.

Procurement & Workplace Experience Teams

Professional planting services deliver reliable maintenance, long-term consistency and predictable costs. Rotational planting ensures the workspace remains refreshed throughout the year without internal resource or interruption.

HR & Wellbeing Leads

Greenery contributes to organisational wellbeing strategies by supporting mood, reducing stress and improving employee engagement. Research shows access to natural elements increases focus, job satisfaction and overall workplace experience.

ESG and Sustainability Managers

Biophilic design demonstrates visible progress toward ESG and environmental wellbeing goals. Using low-maintenance, sustainably sourced planting reinforces the organisation’s commitment to responsible workspace design and employee wellbeing.

Start the New Year with a workspace that feels alive — not one that feels empty when the sparkle comes down.

We’ll help you explore planting ideas tailored to your office size, layout and brand.

Frequently asked questions

Do plants really improve wellbeing in the workplace?

Yes. Studies in biophilic design and workplace psychology show that indoor planting improves mood, reduces stress and can enhance focus and productivity.

Are indoor plants difficult to maintain?

No. Professional plant care includes specialist maintenance, watering and replacement as needed — ensuring displays remain healthy and consistent throughout the year.

Can planting work in modern or compact office spaces?

Absolutely. From small desk planters to slimline green walls or modular displays, planting can be adapted to suit any layout or style

What if natural light is limited?

Many species thrive in low-light environments, and artificial grow-lighting can support displays where needed.