The Psychological Effects of Art in the Modern Workplace

The average person spends roughly 90,000 hours of their life at work. Considering this, working environments need to give us the stimulation, inspiration, and support to be happy and healthy, and to help us lead fulfilling lives.

Art in the workplace is more than just a pretty picture on the wall; it’s pivotal in creating an exciting, stress-reducing environment. A study by Exeter University's School of Psychology found that employees working in environments enriched with art and plants were 17% more productive than those in settings without. Artworks that use calming colour palettes or evoke themes like nature, can significantly lower stress levels, and promote a sense of wellbeing among employees. This leads to a happier, more harmonious workplace.

Creativity leads to innovation, and in the modern workplace, art serves as a catalyst to make creativity happen. Spotify is an example of an organisation that takes an innovative approach to workplace design, incorporating art that stimulates creativity and inspires its staff. Underpinned by dynamic working styles and a desire to capture the unique feeling of audio, our work at Spotify’s offices worldwide unified people and place. It acts as a perfect example of how art can encourage employees to think outside the box and nurture a culture of innovation.

Art can also be a powerful tool in reinforcing and amplifying a company's identity and core values. For instance, when we worked alongside WPP at their Toronto campus, we delivered a connected scheme of bespoke and curated artworks, wayfinding, and installations that came together to communicate the unique personality and ethos of each of the WPP agencies. By aligning art with corporate values, WPP strengthened understanding of their brand identity and embedded their values into the daily experiences of their employees and visitors to their campus.

The placement of art in common areas encourages spontaneous social interactions and collaboration among employees. This not only breaks down the silos between different departments but also promotes a more inclusive, connected, and dynamic organisational culture. A survey conducted by the Business Committee for the Arts and the International Association for Professional Art Advisors, found that 78% of employees in art-enriched environments identified as more motivated.