Can Art in the office make your company more creative?

Studies have shown that being distracted at work can be a good thing. If you are being distracted by a work of art, it can lower stress, boost productivity and increase wellbeing.

Research by Exeter University’s School of Psychology found that employees who can design and arrange the layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier, they’re also up to 32% more productive. Let’s see how we can apply this in your workspace today.

In one study, in particular,  participants achieved a series of tasks in a workplace that was either lean (bare and functional), enriched (decorated with plants and pictures), empowered (designed by the employee), or disempowered (where the employee’s design was redesigned by a manager).

This study found that people working in enriched spaces decorated with plants or art were 17% more productive than those in lean areas.

This figure doubled to 32% for people who worked in the empowered space. As for the disempowered ones, their results were the same as those in the lean space.

The more involved employees are in the design and enrichment of their office space, the more they can realize a part of themselves in the space and ultimately feel more creative.

Another study found that art in the workplace helps businesses address key issues such as reducing stress (78% agree), increasing creativity (64% agreed), and encouraging the expression of opinions (77% agreed).

Some companies deliberately use art as part of their retention strategy. Here, art and aesthetic means energy-giving which is what a workplace needs, rather than a bland, industrial environment which can be more like giving workers a dose of esthetic.

Art can inspire and unlock creative potential. By looking at an impressive piece of art, people often feel inspired by the work. That’s why you often see motivational posters with pictures of radiant sunsets, towering trees and mountains, or aspirational feats of achievement. This inspiration that happens when one looks at art, unlocks creative potential and helps to generate innovative ideas, new business practices and promotional campaigns, and ultimately economic growth.

Art can also help to connect with clients and convey your core values. If you can hang stoic art in the office or waiting area, you can make a client feel comfortable and even connect with them on an emotional level about your company’s purpose in the grand scheme of things.

A generalist doctor could, for example, use photography or canvas art to convey the beauty of science or human anatomy.

Art can alter the atmosphere of a room. For example, nature scenes and aerial photos can evoke feelings of peace or contentment whilst stoic or philosophy inspired art can create a common purpose or higher vision for the team. Hanging different types of art pieces in different rooms can help subconsciously set the tone for the task at hand.

It sounds so obvious but this is something that is rarely done…. relaxing art in the common room can help employees feel happy, content and will create a sense of calm during breaks, whilst motivational art can set the tone for the work areas.

Art can also be used to promote a brand in very subtle ways. Images of the company across the years, for example, can evoke a slight feeling of nostalgia and show the longevity of the company.

As businesses consistently look for ways to gain competitive advantages, managers should consider adding artwork in their offices as its positive effects on employee productivity, creativity, moral and satisfaction cannot be ignored.