The impact of art in the workplace is often underestimated. Splashes of colours can not only brighten up the space, but can also change the atmosphere in an office and influence your employees to be more productive, more creative, but also happier. This blog post reveals Seven Facts why you should consider using Art in the Workplace – all backed up by research studies organised by various well-known organisations.
A survey conducted by the British Council for Offices (BCO) and International Art Consultants, has revealed that art in the workplace is relevant, welcoming and could actually do a lot for your productivity too. The survey of BCO members showed 94% of them felt that art makes the workplace feel more welcoming, 87% suggested art was more relevant in today’s office spaces and more than 60% agreed that art stimulates creativity. The study was done in 2016 but the results are relevant to today’s market too.
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Art as an impact statement
In getting right to the modern art of the matter, it’s important to think laterally – workplace art should be considered less of a painting or sculpture and more of an impact statement. Think digital wallpaper, supergraphics, glass manifestations and large format screens and it’s not hard to imagine how a building’s occupants – and its corporate brand – can really benefit from a brighter, more visually engaging environment.
Fortunately, a new generation of industrial inkjet print machinery has revolutionised the way we can transform the workplace setting – you don’t need to buy expensive paintings to achieve the results we describe here but use a digital wallpaper or any other wall covering solution that will completely transform your environment.
Signbox’s pioneering Durst P10-160 inkjet printer has enabled us to change the face of interior spaces with fine art quality environmental graphics that can be used as powerful displays and contemporary wall coverings as well as innovative privacy screens, banners, blinds and room partitions.
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Art stimulates productivity
The idea that a more inspired workplace can stimulate the senses, boost wellbeing and productivity is backed by expert evidence. Dr Craig Knight, who heads an Exeter University psychology department research group, suggests that ‘not only does office design determine whether or not people’s backs ache, it influences how much they accomplish, how much initiative they take and their overall professional satisfaction’.
Subjects in this Exeter study were asked to do an hour of work in four different environments ranging from the bare basics to an enhanced workplace with art and plants. The result: Employees were 17% more productive in the offices decorated with plants and pictures, and they were 32% more productive in the space where they also had a personal input on the art in their surroundings.
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Art stimulates creativity
How many ‘light bulb’ moments did you have looking at a picture and suddenly came up with the solution you were looking for? What you probably didn’t realise is that the image you were seeing was chosen to stimulate your creativity.
Studies had shown that fertile green can stimulate creative performance and that seeing red or blue can have different effects on our cognitive performance – red helps us with detail-oriented tasks where we need to focus, whereas blue enhances creative performance.
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Art reduces stress
We all may have noticed how calming images with beaches and oceans are. Why not bring them into the office? They will reduce the stress level and encourage your employees to be calmer and work together patiently. According to Forbes, 78% of respondents in a survey of over 800 employees claimed that art in the workplace helped reduce their stress.
A study done by Cass Business School and presented by the same publication, which explored the perceptions of employees towards art in the workplace, shows that the impact of art on the individual employee regarding work ethic/motivation, creativity, stress-level and general wellbeing seems to be greater on women than on men – 80% of the women agreed that art at the office could reduce their stress-levels (66% of the men). Furthermore, 92% of the women stated that art affects their general wellbeing, compared to 71% of the men.
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Art enhances communication and learning
A study from Harvard revealed that art promotes social interactions, elicits emotional responses, facilitates personal connection-making, generally enhances the workplace environment and fosters learning. Other positive impacts on employees and other affiliates when art is present in the workplace include interpersonal learning and mission-related content learning.
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Art reflects your company’s vision and values
The Harvard study also concludes that art connected to the organization’s mission, rotating exhibitions and diverse collections, are valued by workplace viewers.
They feel being part of the company they work for and they are more inclined to work in accordance with the vision and values of the business.
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Art is an investment
The cost of the digital wallpaper, environmental graphics or any other printed solutions you are choosing to bring into your office should really be seen as more of an investment than an indulgence because of the positive impact this will bring to your business.
Mark Catchlove, a director at Herman Miller and an expert in the working environment, points out that it makes sound financial sense to make employees feel as good as possible in the office, and well-chosen art can make all the difference.
It’s all about collaboration
How we apply a culture of workplace creativity is critical to the success of the scheme. It’s only by working closely with building owners, architects and designers that we’re able to achieve an ingenious, yet coherent style, incorporate the most appropriate materials and printed media and, of course, reflect the corporate brand in the best possible light.
The results we’ve achieved for employers within a diverse range of workplace environments have shown us that such collaboration is key if we’re to see some serious productivity ROI on our art installations.
If you’re considering how to boost morale, performance and the bottom line, embrace your inner creativity, talk to your teams and contact us to discuss the right solutions for your business.
