Art in the workplace is much more than pretty pictures
As business people we should bring art and creativity into the workplace. Few companies do this, but those who have offer very good feedback and examples of how their staff and clients have responded. Studies show that art at work has many positive effects.
Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart didn’t produce their best work in gray, fabric-lined cubicles. Not only are these spaces physically constrictive, but they cramp the birth of new ideas.
Little by little companies in corporate America are changing the sea of uninspired cube farms and slowly giving way to open, collaborative work spaces full of art and expression. Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate.
Art boosts productivity
While it’s not 100% clear why art stimulates employees to work harder and smarter, prestigious universities around the world have shown it to be true. Subjects in an 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 worked 15% more quickly in enhanced environments. And they were 32% more productive if they also had personal input on the art in their surroundings. This is truly a win-win for everyone!
Art stimulates creativity
Seeing things from another person’s perspective can pull you out of a creative rut. You may not realize what happens or when, but when you see, hear or feel art at your place of business, your mind opens. Something shifts in your brain and you see things in a different way. Art can stimulate creativity and change your work experience.
Art reduces stress
You don’t need cold, hard facts to wrap your head around how Monet’s famed Water Lilies might have a calming effect on you. Perhaps it can lower your blood pressure. According to Forbes, 78% of respondents in a survey of over 800 employees working for 32 U.S companies claimed that art in the workplace helped reduce their stress.
Stress can cause many unpleasant issues in the work environment, and employers spend time and money in an attempt to lower workplace stress. Artwork is such a simple and beautiful way to reduce stress and the things that come along with it. It will clear minds and help employees feel better about the time they spend at work.
Art enhances communication
Findings from a Harvard University study reveal that because art elicits an emotional response, it can pave the way to more open communication and interpersonal connections in the workplace. We all know that better communication is a key to a more harmonious workforce and business success!
Art speaks volumes about your company
How will your clients feel when they enjoy the beautiful art and pleasing environment at your office? Recently I was in the doctor’s office and there were personal photos of the doctor’s family all around the waiting area. I thought it was unusual but wandered the area to look at each of them. It definitely influenced me. It was charming and personal for this doctor to share this part of her life. There was a comical one of the doctor as well that I especially liked. It was not art, but it did the trick.
Ask yourself what message you want to convey to your clients, visitors and employees as they visit your company. Art can color everything about your business and the message you want to send. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Even if you work from home, you can add some elements of art: pottery on your desk, quotes on the walls, framed pieces you can enjoy, and nice background music to set the mood for a peaceful day. I have many things around me in my office that make me smile and feel good about my workspace. Handmade items, wall art, family photos, soft lighting, bright colored pillows on my couch and other pleasant things for me to see throughout my day. This influences me as I work.
How can you show your clients your artistic side?
Give your reception area a boost with color and art on the walls that tells your story.
When you give your clients gifts, how about tickets to a concert, museum or art show?
Spice up your emails with great quotes or art in them. Use a new font or color. Add your own photo.
Do something colorful at your trade show booth. Stand out. Surprise the audience.
Get involved in the arts by joining a Board or donating your time or money.
Show your flair in your advertising, social media and promotional materials.
Jazz up your website with images, color, music or words of wisdom.
How about the way you dress for meetings? Red dress or suit, an artistic tie or paisley shirt?
Or new business cards with your photo and an interesting graphic?
How can you bring art into your workplace for your employees?
Paint the lunchroom a fun or lively color. Let volunteers do the painting as a project.
Ask them what they want to add to their own desk areas. Don’t restrict them from personal things.
Invite employees to bring their own art or photos into the common areas to be enjoyed by all.
Add some music to the lunch area or let them play music at their desk while they work.
Have a team building experience with paint or clay to let them express themselves.
Let them enter a contest for their own works of art for craft.
If they love poetry or write themselves, encourage sharing their work.
If they play an instrument, invite them to entertain at your next office party.
The results will be a big bonus for your team and a wonderful surprise for you! Do it for you and for your clients and employees, and enjoy the environment you create! Note the positive effects and you will wonder why you waited so long!
Eleanor Togneri is the owner of Business ExSellence, Consulting Services and Employee Training. She has over 35 years experience in the business world. In addition to the WIN group she manages a group for business men and women called BEN that has a network lunch each month at Woodside Plantation Country Club. She offers Lunch and Learn sessions on soft skills eight times a year in Aiken as well as custom classes for area businesses.
