Part two: The Employee
Art benefits employees too! Art in the workplace has definite benefits for employees as well. Studies have shown that art surrounding a company’s employees can definitely influence their mindset. Art can be inspiring, and an inspired employee can generate more new ideas, leading to new promotional campaigns. New, vibrant and relevant campaigns can lead to more company growth.
Just looking at a work of art can unlock a person’s creativeness. Employees who are feeling energized and creative will emanate these qualities to coworkers and customers alike. It can make the difference between a lively, productive workforce and one that is slogging through the day with an eye on the clock.
There’s no doubt that art can have a direct effect on the atmosphere in the workplace. Think of a painting of a couple holding hands by candlelight, or a photo of a beautiful woman in a silk robe looking out of a lace curtained window with a cup of tea in her hands. These images can enhance a certain restaurant’s desire to appeal to those customers who want the experience of fine dining where the lighting is low and romantic. On the other hand, a funeral parlor would probably want peaceful, calming, or religious art to help customers who are experiencing grief.
Another aspect of art in the workplace is that it can function to define spaces. Used as focal points in spaces where employees and/or clients gather, it can act as a clue as to what should be happening there. For example, an area with refreshments such as coffee and tea or a lunchroom could be enhanced with art depicting delectable foods and beverages. Meeting rooms could have more business-oriented art in those spaces to help with setting the pace and atmosphere.
Keep in mind that if you are getting ready to build or renovate office space, at least plan for the possible placing of art in the future, even if you have no idea what form it will take right now. You can avoid costly mistakes later by thinking with the lighting being installed or the bracing that might be needed for heavy art works down the road.
Every company wants happy, on-purpose employees and clients who love being in their space. Do all of them a favor by boosting their morale and firing up their creativeness. Everyone wins with well-chosen, well-placed quality art in the office.