The office is our second home
The office is where we spend most of our time and brainpower. It’s where we build connections, stress out about deadlines and come up with new ideas. Working long hours can not only be exhausting but can also get very monotonous, especially if you’re in a high pressure job. This can significantly impact how employees perform, function and interact in the office.
Companies are always looking for ways to optimise and enhance productivity levels to get the most out of their employees. But not many of them focus on small picture things that can help workers do and feel their best.
No one enjoys walking into a concrete building that has no character whatsoever. This is why a lot of time and effort goes into planning the layout, look and creative additions within the office space, like art. The power of artwork in the office is often underestimated by companies, but there seems to be more value in this space than we think.
Benefits of artwork in the office
Studies have shown that art can significantly influence the way people feel, think and work. Viking studies reported that more than 50% of employees, agreed installing art in offices make them feel happy and relaxed. Art has a way of raising serotonin levels through a process called ‘embodied cognition’. Hence, it enables us to feel more focused, relaxed and alert when viewing it.
Another good idea is using artwork to tell a company’s story. Art can be used to communicate a vision and brand of a business, what they stand for and what they believe in. For instance, a coworking space might feature a lot inspirational quote art to reflect a successful and passionate organisation. Or some companies may put up multi-cultural art that suggests their company is diverse. Whatever it may be, art is a useful tool to showcase company culture to potential clients.
Placing artwork in common spaces and break out zones can also be beneficial as it acts as means for creative and social discussions among employees. This is because art has a way of provoking radically different views and opinions especially if it’s abstract or unique. It also provides for a useful distraction, if you need to catch a break.
Art equals a happier workplace
Working from home sure has its perks. But now that things are moving towards a more “co-vid normal”, companies must strive to maintain health and wellbeing of their employees. Now, more than ever, we need to aim to reconnect people – and there’s no better way than doing it, than through the power of art.
Artwork by John Petrie, CoWork Me
