It’s A Sign To…


The rise of biophilic signage in the workplace and how it can boost employee well-being


In this new Sign Update column, John Davies, managing director of FASTSIGNS UK, explores the concept of biophilic signage and why you should consider offering this to your customers.


A


s more employers encourage staff back into the office five days


a week, the focus has shifted to making working spaces not just functional, but inspiring, restorative and welcoming. Yet, the question remains: how


can offices bring in the benefits of nature indoors in a way that feels both practical and impactful? Here’s where biophilic signage, a design trend which blends natural elements into the built environment, comes in. While biophilic design is often


associated with greenery woven into architecture, signage is fast becoming a key component for bringing nature indoors. Here are our tips for incorporating more nature into your office spaces.


Why biophilic signage matters Environments matter. Cast your mind back to when you were in a space that felt inviting, inspiring and welcoming – sure, it’s probably a nearby cosy cafe or library. But offices, too, can be a place to relish and enjoy, if the right attention has been paid to the visuals. With more and more employers


around the globe ushering their employees back into the office, following the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no time quite like the present to inject some more life into those dull and unimaginative spaces. You’ll thank us in the long run. It’s no secret that our environment


plays a huge role in our mental well-being. Spaces that both spark creativity, soothe the mind, body and souls, and reflect modern values such as sustainability. Biophilic signage is not only about


filling in the space with plants, it’s also about introducing natural textures, plant-


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inspired patterns, or materials such as reclaimed wood, stone or moss. Instead, signage can turn wayfinding systems, meeting room markers and brand messages into focal points that comfort and engage, rather than overwhelm. For instance, Google’s office takes


inspiration from biophilic design by incorporating forest-like enclaves and floor-to-ceiling windows in its Scottish campus in Edinburgh. The Crown Estate has incorporated a living wall and an indoor garden into its co-working office space. Both are superb examples of when biophilic design is well thought through and carefully implemented, with signage being integrated seamlessly so it becomes part of the experience rather than just for practical, directional advice. More and more of our own customers,


across industries like landscaping and energy, are requesting biophilic signage today. We’ve tested a breadth of solutions, too, from moss wall logos and patterned vinyl glass wraps, to unique wayfinding systems and the reaction is almost immediate, with employees noticing the difference straight away.


The psychology of greenery As we all know, being outside can have a significant impact on our mental well-being – it can lighten the load of a busy day, improve our energy and bring us closer to something bigger than ourselves. Greenery and natural textures


have been shown in studies to boost concentration, lower heart rate and reduce stress. By integrating natural elements into signage, commonplace visual communication, which is frequently thought of as solely functional, can be incorporated into a larger wellness plan. We’ve worked with clients to


incorporate moss walls, or even timber- style touches to their spaces, which


An example of biophilic signage


create a space that feels calmer, more intentional and not unlike the typical scenes you’d spot at your local park. Even subtle hints of nature’s natural textiles or organic shapes can help to soften a space and strengthen brand identity at the same time. Imagine a reception where wayfinding


signs are set within living moss walls, or glass partitions etched with leaf motifs, that diffuse natural light in your meeting room. These aren’t just aesthetic touches; they signal to employees and visitors that the organisation prioritises balance, creativity and care for its people.


Looking ahead So much of our work today is about the psychology of a space. The signage industry, much like architecture and design, has shifted dramatically from simply looking good or being practical, to the art of ‘feeling’ good. As the workplace continues to evolve,


signage will increasingly play a role in creating environments that are not only efficient but also nurturing. Biophilic signage is more than a design trend. By investing in signage that brings the


outside in, businesses can transform the everyday act of navigating a workspace into a moment of calm connection. For employees, this isn’t just about finding the right meeting room; it’s about feeling at home in the workplace again.


November/December 2025 | 53 |


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