With the average person spending a third of their life at work, it’s no wonder that 80% of workers believe colour affects their mood. Employees are becoming more aware of how their work environment impacts on their well-being.
Businesses are putting great effort into creating an environment that not only suits their brand identity but boosts staff productivity and positivity. The effect colour can have on our mood, emotions and even productivity levels are often hugely overlooked, particularly in workplace design – even the small touches of colour in the environment from furniture, fixtures or digital tools can be a major benefit (or if chosen incorrectly a major hindrance).
Colour Impacts the Workplace
Here, we look at how different colours impact workplace productivity, making it easier for you to pick the right colours for your next refurbishment project:
Red
Unsurprisingly, the immediate connotation of red is of love and lust, but red is also an extremely stimulating colour that can indicate power and excitement. A splash of red in an office may boost stimulation but be cautious in using too much as it can also increase anxiety.
Yellow / Orange
These warm colours are a popular choice, particularly in office environments, yellow and orange are seen as stimulating colours good for energising the mind and raising positivity. Yellow has even been said to stimulate appetite so why not add it to kitchen areas? Orange, in particular, attracts attention and is linked to success and determination, great for busy, sales-driven workplaces.
Blue
Undoubtedly a favourite preference, blue is seen to have the most positive effect on mood. It instils feelings of calm, comfort and happiness and has even been said to lower the heart rate. Therefore, many businesses chose to use blue in break-out areas, or in offices that require a calming atmosphere. Avoid darker shades of blue however as this can bring on feelings of sadness.
Green
Green naturally links feelings of calm and balance. Its close relation to the environment and outdoors can give a relaxed feeling of space, and many current workplace designs incorporate a biophilic element bringing in plants and foliage to encourage good health and help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
White
Although many people can overlook white, as it carries a reputation for being boring and uninspiring, it is best used for workplaces that need to provide a clean or clinical environment. However, white can provide smaller workspaces with an improved feeling of space and darker workspaces with a better feeling of light, especially if it’s teamed up with clever lighting choices.
Black
Not a colour traditionally associated with workspaces, Black is becoming more popular with companies looking for a luxurious space. Often teamed with low lighting and plush fabrics, done right, black can create an inviting, intimate space. Businesses wishing to create authoritative areas should also choose black, giving a feeling of control and power.
Colour is deeply ingrained in our lives and affects our experience of the world greatly. Companies can connect employees with their brand by helping them to understand who they work for. By creating a space that improves their experience at work, they are positively affecting their mood and work levels. Therefore, in any project design, we should be sensitive to all aspects of colour and use it positively to affect the workspace and its occupants.
