In the bustling world of organisational operations, it is easy to overlook the humble office environment. Yet, the aesthetics of the workplace can hold a profound impact on employee mood, motivation, productivity, and overall performance.
To set the scene, let’s consider an office space devoid of personality, filled with grey cubicles, artificial lighting, and devoid of any natural elements. The lack of sensory stimulation in such an environment can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning and creativity, negatively impacting overall productivity.
Now, imagine a different office. This one is filled with natural light, dotted with plants, adorned with art, and furnished attractively. The simple act of being in such an aesthetically pleasing environment can stimulate positive emotions, leading to enhanced cognitive functioning and sparking creativity. This, in turn, can drive up productivity and improve performance.
Research has shown that exposure to natural light during work hours can lead to better sleep and vitality, resulting in improved productivity. Meanwhile, incorporating plants in the office has been linked to a 15% increase in productivity.
The presence of art in the workplace can also have a significant impact. Art can stimulate thought, encourage creativity, and provide a sense of identity and purpose. In one study, workers reported feeling more relaxed and happier when art was present in their workspace.
Attractive furnishings, while seemingly a superficial aspect of workplace design, can also play a critical role. Comfortable and visually appealing furniture can contribute to employees’ overall satisfaction with their work environment, which can enhance their engagement and productivity.
Having explored these elements, we arrive at the crux of our exploration. The aesthetics of the workplace, while often overlooked, hold a significant sway over employees’ mood, motivation, and productivity. A well-designed, aesthetically pleasing workspace can stimulate positive emotions, enhance cognitive functioning, and foster creativity.
Therefore, decision-makers within organisations should consider the aesthetics of their workplace as a critical factor in their strategic planning. A neuroaesthetics approach to workplace design, which emphasises the importance of natural light, plants, art, and attractive furnishings, can lead to a happier, more productive workforce.
As we reflect on this exploration, it is clear that the aesthetics of the workplace are not just about creating a ‘nice’ environment. They are a fundamental aspect of organisational performance. So, as you look around your office, consider how its design might be impacting your team’s productivity and performance. You might find that a few simple changes could make a world of difference.
References:
Belfiore, E. (2009). On bullshit in cultural policy practice and research: Notes from the British case. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 15(3), 343-359.
Boubekri, M., Cheung, I. N., Reid, K. J., Wang, C. H., & Zee, P. C. (2014). Impact of windows and daylight exposure on overall health and sleep quality of office workers: a case-control pilot study. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 10(06), 603-611.
Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in cognitive sciences, 18(7), 370-375.
Kamarulzaman, N., Saleh, A. A., Hashim, S. Z., Hashim, H., & Abdul-Ghani, A. A. (2011). An overview of the influence of physical office environments towards employee. Procedia Engineering, 20, 262-268.
Nanda, U., Eisen, S., Zadeh, R. S., & Owen, D. (2011). Effect of visual art on patient anxiety and agitation in a mental health facility and implications for the business case. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 18(5), 386-393.
Nieuwenhuis, M., Knight, C., Postmes, T., & Haslam, S. A. (2014). The relative benefits of green versus lean office space: Three field experiments. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 20(3), 199.
