Have you ever wondered whether the colours in the office space have any effect on productivity? In fact, many big-name companies employ the psychology of colour in office design in an effort to improve the moods of both workers and customers, and by extension increase productivity and boost revenue.
This use of colour in the office environment is supported by a groundbreaking study by the University of Texas which confirmed that colour does, in fact, elicit a reaction in the brain and can subsequently affect workers’ moods and their overall productivity.
The Research Behind the Psychology of Colour
Researcher Nancy Kwallek, Ph.D., led the study which examined three colour schemes in particular – white, red, and pastel blue/green – and how those different colours affect workers in the office. The results suggest that just colour scheme alone can impact mood and can also affect productivity. Though the findings also suggest that mood and productivity were unrelated, the impact of colours was evident in the way the subjects responded to the stimulus.
In an article entitled Psychology of Colours in the Workplace, Officevibe’s Jeff Fermin notes the use of colour is also a major strategy for many companies who use marketing materials to influence customers through the company website. “It explains ‘why Facebook is blue’ and why particular sites opt to choose certain colours in designing their website. If you have the ability and resources to create a fresh atmosphere to match your company’s vibe, pick certain colours that go with your employees. For better or for worse, colours affect our moods, and the last thing you would want is to work in a workplace that you absolutely dread. When coming up with a design or an idea, take into consideration the “psychology” behind choosing that colour within your workplace.”
The Power of Colors
Colours can have a profound impact on productivity by simply encouraging positive emotions in employees. Natural toned colours such as green and blue hues can improve efficiency and focus, while warm yellows can trigger optimism, creativity and fresh energy. Vivid colours like red add intensity to the décor and can inspire passion and boost physical activity.
So what colours that promote productivity are advantageous to your business, employees and customers? Which ones should you avoid? Let’s take a closer look:
Blue
The colour blue in the office can have a very calming effect on employees and aid in concentration, especially when workers are required to complete intricate tasks. Blue is an excellent choice in an office where activities require detailed focus. By helping to maintain calm, blue can also stimulate the mental process and increase worker productivity.
White
According to studies, white is the worst colour to paint the office. White walls tend to give off a sterile or clinical feeling, like being in a medical exam room. Research has shown that white can hinder productivity and give off a cold and isolated feeling. It’s best to use white as an accent colour only.
Yellow/Orange
If you want to get the creative juices flowing, choose yellow. This colour is often linked to positive emotions like happiness, optimism and excitement. Used in office décor, yellow can help inspire employees who work in creative fields to come up with new, innovative ideas.
Red
The colour red is a vibrant color that can energize employees particularly those whose tasks involve physical activity. Known to increase the heart rate and even produce a slight rise in blood pressure, red can help boost the body’s ability to complete physical tasks. Red is also very effective as a “call to action” to get customers’ attention for marketing messages.
Green
Different shades of green can elicit both positive and negative emotions. However, in general, the colour green is usually associated with nature and rebirth. Painting the office in a light soothing shade of green can help ease anxiety and make people feel more relaxed and welcomed.
Take a look around your office. Are the walls dull and reminiscent of an institutional building rather than a place of productivity? How about conducting a full-scale assessment from the executive office to the production floor and take into consideration whether your company’s core activities require employees to be innovative and creative, complete focused tasks, or to carry out physical duties. To boost employee output, plan the colour scheme for each department accordingly and monitor mood changes to see the results.
Source : CPM One Source
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