17 Oct How to Boost Office Productivity Through Colour

The field of colour psychology has long been argued and discussed. At its core, it has been ascertained that certain colours have certain effects on certain people; however it ultimately always boils down to individual choice.

That being said, we present to you a basic overview of how colours are said to affect productivity in the office, with the caveat that everyone is different, and some might not agree. Let’s get into it!

Office moods

It’s the goal of every business owner to help make their employees more productive, creative, focused and calm. Of course, there are many management techniques for this, but paint colours have been known to play a role.

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your office, you need to consider the work environment. If your company thrives on fast-paced energy and urgency, a calming and zen Forest Green might not be ideal. And if your employees need calm surroundings in which to think creatively, an aggressive red could have the opposite effect.

Here are some suggestions to consider.

Blue efficiency

Blue is one of the most popular colours for setting a tone of efficiency and well-being. However, the hue needs to be vibrant and not too cool, which could leave your office feeling uninviting and your employees feeling down.

Green balance

Its association with nature makes green a go-to choice for those seeking a harmonious and calming effect. It’s also known to alleviate eye fatigue, which can help employees who spend all day staring at screens.

Yellow creativity

This playful colour is said to invoke creativity. If you’re worried about making your entire office space the shade of a banana, consider using yellow in collaborative spaces only, where it is known to boost memory retention and inspire creatives. You can also use it as an accent to prevent over-exposure and eye strain.

Red urgency

This stimulating colour is good for getting the blood flowing, promoting action in a high-energy environment. On the downside, it can also increase stress levels and lead to eye strain so might best be confined for use as an accent.

 Grey orderliness

A warm-toned grey or beige is the perfect neutral colour choice to create a sense of balance and order. It also promotes focus by not being distracting to the eye. Another bonus is that grey blends in easily with office furniture and other decorations.

White cleanliness

There’s a reason why white is such a popular choice at medical establishments. Visitors like to know that they’re entering a clean, orderly environment. If this is what you’re after, your choices run the gamut from crisp and bright to warm-toned ivory.

Consider the lighting

Beyond the psychology of colour, you also need to consider the environment, in particular the lighting. If your office is like most around the world – lit by cool fluorescent bulbs – your best bets would be cool greens, greys and blues.

Meet Pelham Painters at your office

To benefit from our decades of experience, invite us round to see your office space. We’ll be glad to provide colour consultations which take into account the lighting, décor, style and psychological needs of your workforce.