Art in the Workplace

by Kim Schroeder

Art has many purposes.  It can be beautiful to look at or evoke a particular feeling.  However, art is not just something that you hang on a wall and forget about.  Yes, it can simply be interesting to look at, but it can also help boost mood and physical well-being of the person looking at it. 

There have been dozens of research studies that show that art in the workplace improves employee performance.  Let’s take a closer look at this idea that adding art in the workplace brings employees and visitors alike more positive vibes.  What are the benefits of art?  Well, for one, art inspires imagination and creativity which in turn stimulates production.  Art also brings about lower levels of anger and restores mental energy, which in turn helps businesses to see less absenteeism and a decreased turnover.  Art is also proven to reduce workplace stress.  One might conclude that the solution is simple – add art everywhere!  While this may seem like a logical conclusion, I am more inclined to believe that strategically placed and well-chosen art pieces are the reason for less stress.  For example, in spaces where an employee may be experiencing personal stress – a wellness room or phone booth – serene images and colors are appropriate.  Alternately, in a space intended to inspire collaboration or innovation, brighter colors and visual motion may induce creative thinking. 

Strategically placed art is a perfect segue into the topic of wayfinding.  Art can serve as a landmark to help visitors find their way through a large space.  Large companies or hospitals may be difficult to navigate through.  A thoughtfully placed piece of art, mural, or sign may be just the thing that can spark a subconscious memory.  “I remember this picture, the office I am looking for is around the corner from it…”  Or the artwork may be the sign itself directing people to a particular place.

Photo: SEGD.org

Photo: Health Environment Art Services

Art used as a means of wayfinding causes less confusion to the people visiting that space.  Good elements of wayfinding are simplicity, relevance, and flexibility.

The design of an office, including the art and décor, conveys the ideas, values, and vision of a company.  When a customer walks into a company, they want to see that the aesthetic of the business matches their visions of product or service they are purchasing.  A well-designed office space keeps customers coming back.  Companies want their customers to feel comfortable and welcome - art helps to make that happen. The National Retail Federation states that “any noticeable improvement in a business’s appearance can result in a 10 to 20% increase in sales in the first year. 

Photo: Swarez.co

Workplace art should be “guided by a clear vision and well-defined goals.  These goals should be tied to the company and tell a story about the brand”.  Art can most definitely help a convey a company’s vision or branding.  When you walk into a well-known chain restaurant, what do you notice?  Familiar artwork on the walls.  Red Robin is a perfect example of this.  Most of the artwork on the walls is in every Red Robin across the county.  It is highly recognizable and makes you feel like you are at home. 

Who doesn’t recognize the familiar Red Robin Yummm catchphrase or the baseball flag that is in every restaurant?  Basically, putting art into the design of a company will only help your business thrive - only positive things can come of it.