Bringing the beauty of nature into an office environment can transform a workspace into a vibrant, productive place people like to be in. However, the maintenance of living plants within an office setting presents unique challenges and opportunities.
This article delves into three distinct approaches to office plant maintenance: self-maintenance, outsourcing to a local individual, and partnering with a specialist company like Aztec Plants.
We will explore the pros and cons of each method, helping you make an informed decision for your greenery needs. Find out, which approach to office plants maintenance is right for you.
Doing Everything In-House
Advantages:
- Complete Control: Managing your office plants in-house allows for total oversight of the types and placements of plants. This means you can tailor the greenery to match the office décor and ambiance precisely.
- Cost Savings: By sourcing and maintaining plants yourself, you can potentially save on labour costs associated with outsourcing the care. This could be an economical option for smaller offices or for businesses with team members who have gardening skills.
- Team Engagement: The responsibility of plant care can become a team activity, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement among employees. This can enhance the workplace atmosphere and improve employee satisfaction.
Drawbacks:
- Time-Consuming: Plant maintenance requires time and attention. For businesses, this time investment could detract from core operational activities, potentially impacting productivity.
- Lack of Expertise: Without specialised knowledge, maintaining the health and aesthetics of the plants can be challenging. This might lead to unhealthy plants, affecting the office’s visual appeal and air quality.
- Disposal Issues: The in-house team must also manage the disposal or replacement of plants that no longer thrive, which can be logistically challenging and time-consuming.
Outsourcing to a Local Person
Advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring a local person for plant maintenance can be more cost-effective than engaging a specialist company, particularly for smaller scale operations.
- Flexibility: A local individual might offer more flexible services tailored to your specific needs and office hours, providing a personalised approach to plant care.
- Support Local Economy: This method supports local employment and can build community relationships, enhancing your company’s local reputation and network.
Drawbacks:
- Availability Issues: A local person might not always be available when needed, especially during holidays or sick days, potentially leaving your plants neglected.
- Job Stability: If the individual decides to change careers or move away, you might find your office plants suddenly without the necessary care, leading to a hurried search for a replacement.
- Limited Expertise: While cost-effective, a local person might not possess the specialised knowledge or resources of a dedicated plant maintenance company, potentially impacting the health and longevity of your plants.
Outsourcing to a Specialist Company
Advantages:
- Professional Care: Aztec Plants provides expert care, ensuring that your office plants are healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and appropriately placed to thrive.
- Peace of Mind: With a hire contract, you’re assured continuous maintenance and replacement of plants as needed. This eliminates worries about plant health or replacements.
- Enhanced Aesthetics, Health Benefits and Reporting: Professional companies have the knowledge to select plants that not only fit the office environment aesthetically but also contribute to better air quality and employee wellbeing. In addition, water and nutrients consumption is strictly monitored, contributing to your sustainability reporting.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: While offering comprehensive services, large specialist companies might come at a higher cost compared to other options, especially for smaller businesses or those with minimal plant maintenance needs. At Aztec Plants, we work with within a local geography, minimising overheads and passing savings over to the customer.
- Less Personal Control: Some businesses might prefer to have more direct control over their plant selections and placements, which could be limited when outsourcing to a company. At Aztec Plants, customers’ plants are serviced by a dedicated technician to build and maintain a healthy business relationship.
- Contractual Obligations: Engaging with a specialist company often involves entering into a contract, which may include terms that some businesses find restrictive or unsuitable for their changing needs. With Aztec Plants, clients receive direct access to company management, ensuring any contractual queries are explained and dealt with in a timely and considerate manner.