Art has the power to inspire and evoke powerful emotions. While some may relate office art to cheesy inspirational posters and cheap aluminium frames, research has shown that carefully chosen artworks can actually benefit your employees, leading to better mood and physical well-being, and even improved productivity performance. 

That’s why so many companies are ditching the bland, beige decor in favour of artworks that add to the mood and ambience of the space or even having custom office art printed. As a result, office spaces are a blank canvas and the perfect place to display an art collection with the added benefit of improving your workforce. After all, you can’t have a successful business without a dedicated workforce behind you.

It May Increase Productivity

One of the most significant benefits of incorporating art into your workplace is the measurable boost in productivity. Psychologists like Dr Craig Knight have shown that employees are up to 30% more productive and efficient when surrounded by artworks. While you may not be an art aficionado, it’s clear to see the monetary benefit of a more productive workplace. 

Dr Knight explains, “When people feel uncomfortable in their surroundings, they are less engaged – not only with the space but also with what they do in it. If they can have some control, all changes and people report being happier at work, identifying more with their employer, and being more efficient when doing their jobs.” 

Colour in your office art can also affect your employee’s productivity. The colour blue is one of the most productive colours and encourages intellectual stimulation and relaxation. Yellow artworks are also a good choice as they foster feelings of positivity and happiness.

Communicate Brand Identity 

Most workplaces are quite unmemorable—a labyrinth of cubicles all in the same shade of beige and little natural light. Incorporating artwork through your office can help to clearly communicate your brand identity and company culture in a non-verbal way.

For example, a business with an office decorated with bold colours and unusual artworks will likely be perceived as young, progressing and operating less conventionally. On the other hand, a company based in a historical building and displaying traditional paintings in ornate frames are more likely to be seen as an established heritage brand. 

Either way, you can use digital printed posters to create a unique and eclectic look or opt for original pieces from local artists to showcase your company’s support for the community. Whatever you choose, make sure your office art reflects the values and personality of your brand.

Reduce Stress

We all experience stress, and the workplace is no exception to that. A recent UK-wide stress survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that 74% of adults have felt so stressed they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. High pressure in the office can quickly make the workplace a stress trigger; people can get cognitively overloaded, especially after doing prolonged hours of highly-focused work. 

One way employers can help their employees reduce their stress in the workplace is by co-oping hospitals’ rehabilitative properties of art. Artworks, especially natural scenes, are proven to reduce stress, lower levels of anger, and boost brain performance.

Encourage Creativity

Most of us sit at our desks, blankly staring at a computer screen for most of the day; sitting all day staring at white walls and a digital screen isn’t the best way to encourage creativity. However, having visually stimulating artwork to look at in the office is a great way to foster abstract thinking, interpretation, and curiosity, the seeds of that creative spark that makes your work a success. According to the British Council for Offices, more than 60% of employees consider artwork inspirational and a tool for increasing creativity.

Start Conversations

If you’re looking to work on the way to open dialogues and encourage more interpersonal interactions between your employees, an excellent place to start is by installing a visually engaging artwork. The artwork’s colours, medium and even placement, can help bolster discussion. Employees who talk and interact casually tend to be more cooperative and open to differing perspectives. In the workplace, artwork can help employees feel more collaborative and connected. 

Choosing Suitable Artworks For Your Office

So, now that you know some of the benefits of including artwork in your office, how do you choose? The art world is vast, and so many styles can be selected! First, before you do anything, stop to consider your space. What size artworks can your walls accommodate? 

Next, take a look at your branding. 

Are there any colours or themes running throughout your branding? Consider how you can incorporate these into your decor. Next, think about the message you want to convey. Inspirational posters may fit the cubicle, but maybe not an investment bank. If you’re going to play it safe, select works with moderate visual complexity, such as impressionist paintings or landscapes. 

According to research, representational or figurative art is better received than abstract works, possibly because most viewers prefer to “understand” artworks. Whatever artworks you choose, make sure they represent your company and its values.

Equally as important to office wellbeing is the flow of natural light. Fortunately, we’ve got that covered too; check out these tips on how to boost the natural light in your home office and let the good times roll!