Anyone who’s ever relaxed on the beach can attest to the calming, restorative powers of the natural world – especially the soothing presence of moving water. But a growing body of scientific research confirms that exposure to nature – and stimuli reminiscent of nature – does more than lift the spirits; it can actually help optimize performance in a variety of tasks and activities.

Simply stated, relaxed and contented people act more calmly, think more clearly and collaborate more effectively. Yet stress and anger are among the most common workplace problems. Research suggests that the presence of nature (in the form of water, trees, flowers and the like) may help alleviate anger and stress. And for those who can’t take the office into the great outdoors, even simply viewing a poster of a waterfall or other natural phenomenon in the workplace has been shown to reduce stress and lower anger.

A workplace reflective of nature is not only more cheerful, but it may also be more productive. In a 1998 study, researchers found that subjects performed significantly better on timed mathematical tests after viewing nature scenes. A more recent study reports that those with a view of nature experienced a more rapid decrease in blood pressure after completing a concentration task than those without the benefit of natural exposure, suggesting a superior capacity to manage and recover from workplace stress.

These and other related findings indicate that flowing water, living plants, natural light and similar elements in the workplace may bring a host of benefits far beyond their obvious aesthetic appeal. It’s no wonder that businesses of all kinds are realizing the value of a work environment infused with natural, holistically inspiring qualities.

An ideal partner for today’s nature-conscious architects and designers, Harmonic Environments was founded on the belief that the spaces we inhabit affect us in dramatic ways - and that water naturally evokes a sense of peace and well-being. We’ve been pleased to bring the power of water to settings as diverse as corporate offices, hotel lobbies, healthcare facilities and spas. Please view our portfolio, and contact us to learn more about our products and philosophy.

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