There has been a great deal of research done on how the colour scheme of an office can affect employees and staff. It turns out; you can control the mood and productivity of your staff based on the colour of the walls, furniture, and décor in your office spaces. There are many things to consider when choosing paint colours and decorative accents for your office space in addition to considerations of how colours affect attitude and productivity, there are certain colours or patterns that can cause eye fatigue and certain colours go better with some personalities and not others.
In recent years the trend in office spaces has been moving away from stark black and white industrial looks and more towards incorporating colour and personality into the designs of offices. The idea is to make work spaces more “homey” and comfortable rather than a plain environment. Scientists have been conducting studies and researching the effects of colour for almost 50 years now andthe “prevailing view is that warm colours are more arousing than cool colours, that red, and to a lesser extent the other warm hues of orange and yellow, speed up motor reactions and impair the efficiency of work performance.” There is also evidence that certain colours, like red cause eye fatigue, making it necessary for employees to take breaks to rest their eyes. In the same way that certain patterns, like black and white checker boards cause distractions from tasks in addition to eye fatigue.
This and other eye tests are some of the images used in the colour research and its effect on the human eye.
Colour Facts:
- Green is the best colour for your desk top, it promotes productivity and is calming and restful for your eyes.
- Orange accents are good for a job that requires strength and action. Orange increases oxygen flow and promotes brain activity. Careful though because too much orange can be tiring on a continual basis.
- Grey is said to be an unproductive colour, not only should it not be used in an office space, but even should not be worn.
- Blue and Green are the best colours to paint office walls. “In 1999, researchers at Creighton University found that colors significantly influence employees’ emotions and efficiency. Workers in blue offices felt the most centered, calm and hopeful towards their work. Since blue can lower heart rates and green reduces anxiety and is associated with money, a combination of blue and green is best for the workplace.”
- Black can be associated with aggressiveness, so in some ways this can be used to your advantage in the workplace, but for the most part should be avoided.
