1 . Bosses trying to quickly increase productivity should give up brainstorming meetings and instead invest in office plant, a study has found.
Green plants in offices increase work output by 15 percent, and challenges the “lean philosophy”(极简哲学)which holds that tidy buildings are best for concentration.
In experiments at two large commercial offices in the UK and The Netherlands, it was found that plants significantly increased workplace satisfaction, levels of focus, and air quality. “Simply decorating an office space with plants help to increase productivity by 15 percent,” said lead researcher Marlon Nieuwenhuis.
“This conclusion doesn't agree with the modern ‘lean’ management techniques, yet it points out a path to a more enjoyable, more comfortable and a more profitable form of office-based workings.” She added, “Our research suggests that investing in decorating the office with plants will pay off through an increase in workers’ quality of life and productivity. It directly challenges the widely accepted business philosophy that a lean office with clean desks is more productive.”
Previous studies have shown that the presence of plants can reduce physiological(生理上的) stress, increase the attention span and improve health and well-being.
Researchers studied offices over several months during which plants were removed and added. Professor Alex Haslam, who also worked on the study, added, “The lean philosophy has been influential across a wide range of organizational fields. Our research questions this widespread belief that less is more. Sometimes less is just less.”
Plants are beneficial because a green office makes employees more physically and emotionally involved in their work.
Another researcher Dr. Craig Knight said: “Psychologically manipulating(处理，操纵)real workplaces and real jobs adds new depth to our understanding of what is right and what is wrong with existing workspace design and management. We are now providing a model of a really smart office.”
1. According to the “lean philosophy”, ________.| A．green plants can increase productivity. |
| B．green plants may disturb people’s concentration. |
| C．a beautiful environment is beneficial to productivity. |
| D．green plants will help bosses come up with new ideas. |
| A．it may create a new way of management. |
| B．it will lead to less investment in offices. |
| C．it may lead to a better form of office-based workings. |
| D．it challenges the widely accepted brainstorming meetings. |
| A．The “lean philosophy” is widely adopted nowadays. |
| B．A green office helps employees focus on their work. |
| C．Green plants will make office workers more efficient. |
| D．When it comes to decorating offices, the less the better. |
| A．blame the “lean philosophy”. |
| B．show how to increase productivity. |
| C．Persuade bosses to remove plants from offices. |
| D．indicate the effects of green plants on works’ efficiency. |
2 . Are you planning your family holiday in London? Book one of London's best family-friendly hotels, which can help your stay run smoothly.
Athenaeum
Rely on the Athenaeum's kids concierge(礼宾部)for the perfect family stay in London. Even before you arrive at the hotel in London, they’ll be in touch to make sure your kids have their favorite DVDs, treats and more to keep them happy. After you settle into your family room, they help plan your perfect routes.
Cost £79
The Nadler Kensington
Relax in one of the Nadler Kensington's large family rooms in London, which can sleep up to four people. Perfect for a reasonably-priced family holiday, it has no extra charge for baby beds. There's a mini kitchen so you can prepare your own light meals and snacks. The west London hotel is also close to two subway stations, making it easy to get around.
Cost £118
St James's Hotel and Club
Meet all your family's needs at St James's Hotel and Club, one of the best I child-friendly hotels in London. The hotel can help you plan family days out, and you can enjoy the hotel's quiet position in a peaceful cul-de-sac(死胡同)off St James's Street. Inter-connecting rooms at this fashionable hotel are available on request.
Cost £320
Melia White House
Let kids feel grown-up with their own check-in area at Melia White House, which is close to Regent's Park. There are also treats like an ice cream voucher(券)and activities in its kids club. Stay in a family room, which holds two adults and two children under the age of 11 for no additional charge.
Cost £ 140
1. What do we know about Athenaeum?| A．It provides fee meals. | B．It has special rooms for kids. |
| C．It helps guests find local tour guides. | D．It learns about kids' preferences ahead of time. |
| A．Make your own food. | B．Teach your kids to cook. |
| C．Get to bus stations quickly. | D．Ask for a baby bed with little money. |
| A．Athenaeum. | B．The Nadler Kensington. |
| C．St James's Hotel and Club. | D．Melia White House. |
