: IN THE PRESS

A Wisconsin newspaper is the latest media outlet to report that flowers in the workplace improve employees' moods and productivity.

"Dear Readers: flowers can make your workplace blossom," reports the Oct. 19 issue of The Post-Crescent newspaper in Appleton, Wis. "Two studies over the last several years have suggested that plants and flowers in the office improve inhabitants' mood and skills ... flowers have the potential to make a significant positive difference without busting the budget."

The article, "Ask the Good Girls: Flowers do much more than enhance the decor of an office," cites SAF's "Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity" study, conducted at Texas A&M. It demonstrates that workers' idea generation, creative performance and problem solving skills improve substantially in workplace environments that include flowers and plants. The article also cites the SAF/FPO "Home Ecology of Flowers Study," conducted at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. It reveals that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home. Study participants also reported that living with flowers provided a boost of energy and enthusiasm at work. Another SAF/FPO study conducted at Harvard found that workplace commitment is largely influenced by one's sense of purpose, feeling of personal impact and overall trust in the organization.