Color has been proven to have a psychological effect on people which will, in turn, inadvertently affect your employee’s productivity. Warm colors, for example, are known to offer comfort, which could be a useful tool in a work environment. Other paint colors promote peacefulness and stability. Some colors, or color combinations, can even stimulate creative thinking.
Productivity can mean different things to different Ogden business owners. If images of workers moving at a blazing speed across the shop floor is what you have in mind, the color of the walls may not do anything to change productivity for you. Creating a comfortable work space for employees by using color as a tool, is a more realistic expectation. The existing lighting, artificial or natural, combined with colors that enhance the light will ultimately create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Other factors to consider are the decor elements, such as carpeting, furniture and window dressings. By creating a well integrated and uniform theme with your design you more effectively mold the desired environment. It is safe to assume that comfortable and happy employees will always be more productive.
When designing rooms such as classrooms and meeting rooms, very strong and contrasting tones may interfere with concentration. This does not necessarily mean that only boring and bland tones and colors will work in these areas. Calm and cool paint colors can be used to promote clear thinking, creativity and planning. Such colors can be light sage greens, even clean beiges (not muddy). Clean, cool and light blues can also be used thoughtfully to help the creative mind.
In executive offices and boardrooms, strong paint colors such as burgundy, royal blue or brown can be used to state authority, promote respect and loyalty. There are circumstances where space, size of the rooms and lighting will not allow for the strong colors. The alternative is to use these colors on highlight walls, bulkheads, columns and sometimes doors, door frames and trim.
Sometimes the workplace is also where customers interact with the company. In these cases, your design theme must accommodate your employees as well as your customers. Branding considerations, marketing decisions and how it affects the buying habits of the consumer will likely also be taken into account.
In conclusion, the primary question always is: “what do you want paint color to do?” After a clear understanding is evident and expectations are realistic, choosing the workplace colors can be a rewarding experience that most employees can participate in. The ability to have a say and influence on the paint colors at work can be a powerful morale booster. And of course the jokes and light-hearted suggestions about the new pink, lilac or lime-green decor will last for days to come.
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