Your Guide To Using Colour In The Workplace

Chances are, you probably haven’t given much thought to the colours used in your workplace. However, research has shown that the shades you choose for your office could be more important than you may initially think. In fact, studies suggest that the colours we are surrounded by on a daily basis can have a significant effect on our mood and productivity levels. It’s also important to note that different hues can be used to reinforce a company’s brand. To help you make the most of your décor, here is your essential guide to using colour in the workplace.   Reinforce your brand   Colour is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reinforce your image and company culture. For example, if you want to convey a sense of creativity and high energy, you may want incorporate vibrant, fun shades like yellows and oranges into your décor scheme. If you want to be seen as a leader in the industry, dark hues like navy and purples can help to project an air of professionalism, power and authority. You may also choose to use your logo or website colours when decorating your workspace to promote your marketing message even more. Not only can using brand colours make your business more memorable to clients and customers, it can also help to stimulate your workforce and make them feel more connected to the company.   Improve productivity   Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than working in a bland, dull office space for eight hours a day. Not only are white walls and beige furniture unpleasing to the eye, but this kind of environment can also be demotivating, leading to low morale and poor performance. If you want to inspire your staff members and encourage them to work to their best ability, consider decorating your office with bright, mood-lifting hues. It’s thought that blues and greens can be particularly effective when it comes to enhancing productivity, concentration and creativity, and these colours can also induce calm feelings and lower anxiety, which can be especially useful in stressful or fast-paced workplaces.   Achieve the perfect balance   While you’ll no doubt want your office space to be stimulating and cheery, take care to use bright and striking hues in moderation. Too many bold shades can increase levels of stress and even cause eyestrain and headaches, while dark colours can make your office look smaller and more oppressive. To achieve the perfect balance, interior designers usually recommend that offices incorporate a neutral colour for the main background hue and then use more prominent shades to add visual interest. For example, they can be included in the form of an accent wall or pieces of office furniture. As a general rule of thumb, you should try to keep the main work area and reception room fairly light - but if you do want to draw attention to a particular spot, eye-catching choices are ideal. By bearing tips like these in mind next time you come to decorate, you should be able to harness the power of colour in your workplace, boost your brand and create a happier, more efficient workforce.