So, it’s time to give your office a revamp, but where do you start? Buying new furniture or decorations may leave your pockets empty, so why not start with something simpler. A fresh coat of paint won’t break the bank and can have a host of benefits for your employees and your business.
Different colours will boost mood, alertness, productivity and more, so don’t underestimate the power of colour in your office. Which you choose will depend on the desired atmosphere around the office and the demands of your business. Keep reading to find out how to utilise colours to your advantage.
Green
The most prominent colour in nature, green can have a calming effect. It’s also known to be one of the easiest colours on the eyes so it’s great for offices where employees work longer hours. If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate green, consider furnishing your office with some indoor plants. Not only do plants help filter the air, but studies have also shown that they reduce stress.
Blue
The colour of the sky and water is known to make workers more productive. There are many shades of blue that can have varying effects though. Warmer shades can be more energising and promote happiness. Cooler shades will have a more calming effect but should be balanced with warmer colours to avoid coming off as too cold and detached.
Red
If you want your employees to be active and full of energy, red is the way to go. Studies have shown that just having more red present in the environment increases blood flow and heart rate. Other studies have shown red to be beneficial for admin tasks but detrimental to more cognitively demanding tasks. If using red, pair it with other colours or use sparingly.
Yellow
Colour psychologists know yellow as the colour of optimism. It’s believed to be good for innovation too, so should be utilised in offices with artists, writers, designers and similar creative roles. Yellow will liven up your office and give it a more fun atmosphere.
Brown
Brown is a professional colour that is associated with strength. It can be a good backdrop for vibrant reds and greens but should be left for more corporate settings. The one caveat is if you utilise wood in your office, which can be very grounding when paired with neutral tones like cream and beige.
White
White will make an office look clean and modern and will make the space feel larger and more open. However, be careful not to overuse it. Too much white and your office will seem clinical and sterile, and that’s probably not the feeling you want. It is best used as an accent to diffuse the more vibrant colours.
Grey
Grey is another colour that should be used sparingly. It isn’t great for offices because it’s quite a bland colour, and studies have shown that overly grey offices led to staff reporting increased feelings of sadness and depression. Not ideal. Use it to tone down bright colours in small doses.
You should now realise that the colour of your office matters more than you may have known. It can be a powerful tool if you want your employees to feel or behave a certain way, and carelessness could backfire on you. Ask yourself what type of feeling you want to evoke at work and go from there. And hey, it’s probably about time for a refresh, so this is as good of an excuse as any!