Last week I analyzed how local businesses can leverage certain interior paint colors to evoke a desired emotion or response from their customers. However, this capability is not limited merely to customers. Certain colors can boost employee morale, productivity levels, creativity and of course mood. Here are a few powerful paint color psychology tricks that are particularly effective in office settings.
Creativity
Anyone in the business world knows that creativity is one of the most prized employee traits and one that should be nurtured. Most importantly, it has many different forms, going far beyond the realm of arts into every day problem solving skills. That being said, certain interior colors are more apt to spark the imagination more than others. For example, green has strong associations with nature and growth and research indicates that this interior paint encourages broader thought, productivity and even triggers creativity in commercial business environments.
Focus
Because different colors affect some people differently, it’s not surprising that many companies still choose a monochromatic white paint color for their walls. While this is generally regarded as a “safe” or non-invasive hue, it can potentially lead to unwanted consequences. White has been known to cause feelings of boredom, leading to distraction that wouldn’t benefit anyone at all. We like to think of a white interior as an opportunity to create a healthy workspace emotion.
Positivity
The most common favorite color of people throughout the world is blue. This positive reception could likely be a result of some of the everyday serene things that people encounter, such as clear skies or ocean water. The popularity factor alone makes this color an excellent fit to promote the general happiness of workers throughout the day. However, darker blue paints have been known to cause sadness in smaller areas. It’s important to consider the workspace before applying one of these paint colors. Well lit, open areas are generally a more suitable location for this hue.
Change
Simply changing the interior from time to time can boost team spirits. More cost-efficient than a full office renovation, a new paint color can add some excitement to a workspace. Additionally, it sends the subtle message to clients and workers that business is going well.