Artwork in professional settings is proving to be a catalyst for various positive outcomes, ranging from enhanced well-being and productivity to deeper cultural bonds and connections.

When it comes to designing workplaces, businesses often prioritize investments in high ROI-producing elements – those that are quantifiable and result in increased efficiency. These typically include features like insulation, acoustic paneling, and lighting. The same practical thinking is often applied to the selection of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE) for the workplace. Items such as height-adjustable desks and conference tables with built-in power outlets can be conveniently measured to assess their impact on employee productivity.

However, the importance of art in the workplace often goes unrecognized because it's challenging to measure its financial return on investment. Does this make workplace art any less valuable? Recent research and surveys suggest that art in the workplace offers a broader array of benefits and positive impacts than previously assumed. Notably, artwork has been found to enhance well-being, ignite productivity and creativity, and foster connections, community, and a sense of culture in organizations that integrate art into their spaces.

Let's delve into these findings and explore whether the advantages of incorporating art in the office outweigh the associated costs.

1. Art Promotes Wellbeing

Designing for health and well-being has emerged as a central focus in recent years, encompassing physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Designing for physical well-being is relatively straightforward, with abundant research supporting practices like ergonomic considerations and offering choices and control over work postures.

Yet, designing for emotional and cognitive well-being poses more significant challenges. The subjectivity of an individual's perception of physical space and the concept of neurodiversity make it challenging to prescribe specific elements to enhance well-being through these dimensions. Nevertheless, an increasing number of studies demonstrate the surprising positive effects of displaying art in workplaces on employee well-being.

A study conducted by Exeter University's School of Psychology, which surveyed employees across 32 organizations with integrated artwork collections, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive impact of art on emotional and cognitive well-being. The study, involving over 800 participants, revealed that 78% agreed that artwork reduces stress, 64% believed it enhances creativity and innovation, and 77% felt it encouraged the expression of opinions. In the same study, 92% of female respondents noted that art positively influences their general well-being in the workplace, with 71% of male respondents concurring.

2. Art Stimulates Creativity and Productivity

Art possesses a unique capacity to evoke emotional responses. Different individuals may react to artwork in various ways, some experiencing internal reflections and meditation, while others might perceive a sense of transcendence to a mental realm beyond their immediate surroundings. This act of distancing oneself from the physical environment enhances creativity and productivity in the workplace.

Research highlights art as a powerful visual stimulant. In workspaces, artwork is often viewed as a "positive distraction," encouraging activities such as introspection and spontaneous social interactions. When considered as a stimulant, surveys have indicated that viewers engaging with art process information more effectively and express ideas and opinions more openly and freely. Although the resulting improvements in processing speed and free expression may not be quantified on a balance sheet, they undoubtedly contribute to an organization's ability to innovate, which, ultimately, can impact the bottom line significantly.

3: Art Fosters Connection, Community, and Culture

Many organizations articulate their values and culture through mission statements or core beliefs. Some utilize their physical workspaces to promote their organizational culture by creating programs and spaces such as collaborative breakout areas and social hubs. However, these endeavors often necessitate explanation and training to truly take root.

In contrast, art in the workplace operates without the need for formal elucidation. Artwork can be strategically positioned and exhibited. Regardless of whether teams engage in discussions about the pieces, they evoke specific emotional responses.

Art serves as a powerful medium for communicating an organization's culture. For instance, featuring works by artists from minority groups can convey a company's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Displaying artwork inspired by nature may underscore an organization's dedication to environmental causes. These visual elements provide constant, compelling, and emotional reminders of what a company holds dear, fostering a sense of connection and unity among individuals, their teams, and their leaders.

Will we ever be able to quantifiably measure the ROI of artwork in the workplace just as we gauge energy efficiency? Perhaps, someday. But for now, forward-thinking and innovative organizations continue to witness the advantages of integrating artwork into their office spaces. Some companies initiate this process on a smaller scale, permitting teams to display personal artifacts like photographs or pieces they've created themselves. Meanwhile, other organizations are increasing their investments in art and graphics budgets for their spaces. While evaluating the monetary returns remains challenging, the perception of the significance of artwork and its potential impact in the workplace is gradually evolving.