Office Plants and Other Living Things
There’s a plant in almost every office. You know the one. It sits in the corner, catching bits of light when it can. Some days it looks vibrant, other days a little tired. Most people pass it without a thought, assuming it will be fine. But when someone stops to water it, turns it toward the sun, wipes the dust from its leaves, something small but powerful happens. It perks up. It steadies. It reminds us that care, even when quiet, makes all the difference.
As we step into the final season of the year, many organizations are focused on cutting costs, wrapping up projects, and tightening systems. But maybe this is the time to pause and look at the “plants in the corner,” the people, teams, or parts of your business that quietly keep things alive. They may not be loud or flashy, but they have been steady through every season.
And then there are the high performers, the ones who seem to keep blooming no matter where you place them. They rarely ask for water. They just keep producing, adapting, and finding light. But even the strongest plants need care. The danger of being self-sufficient is that others stop checking in. High performers need recognition, balance, and space to breathe. They need to know their roots matter as much as their results.
This season isn’t only about trimming back or resetting goals. It is about returning to the basics. Why you started. Who you built this for. What makes it worth it.
The healthiest workplaces, like the healthiest plants, don’t thrive by accident. They thrive because someone noticed. Someone cared enough to tend.
Author’s Note: Before you make your next strategic cut or set your next bold target, glance toward that corner. If your people look a little like that plant, a bit wilted yet still holding on, they don’t need pruning. They need light. And if your high performers are still standing tall, take a moment to thank them. Even the strongest roots appreciate being seen.
Keep Growing – Cveta Chydzinski
People and Talent Strategist | HR Thought Partner | Storytelling in Work and Life