How plants could save UK firms billions
Plants can reportedly help avoid illness.
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Friday, 13, Aug 2010 11:23
By Chris Malone
Businesses in the UK could save themselves billions of pounds per year, simply by investing in houseplants for the office.
That is according to a new report from Plants For People, conducted as part of its Plants4Life campaign.
The study showed that there were more than 180 million sick days taken in 2009, costing British firms £16.8 billion.
However, the organisation noted that indoor air pollution contributes to 40 per cent of absenteeism and suggested that employers can combat this by investing in plants for the office.
It noted that sick building syndrome, where toxins from computers, photocopiers and other office equipment affect workers' health, can lead to fatigue, headaches and coughs.
Having plants in the office can reduce the symptoms of the illness by a quarter, the firm said.
Spokeswoman Jo Read explained that the next 12 months will be vital for businesses and that making savings on sick days could be a massive help to their prospects.
"One plant for every two or three people should be enough to improve air quality and help everyone to feel better," she claimed.
In other news, HR Magazine recently suggested that UK businesses should continue to be vigilant in their recruitment activities, even though there is a wealth of talent available at the moment.