Fifty-three per cent of employees say art at work makes them happier. New research has revealed an appetite for art in the office, with 54 per cent of UK workers saying they think that all workplaces should have art*.
The research, which surveyed 1,500 British workers highlighted that businesses which fail to provide artwork for staff could be missing out on serious benefits: 53 per cent of workers say that art makes them happier; Half of employees (50 per cent) think artwork in the workplace reduces stress.
Forty-nine per cent think it gives a good impression to new clients and potential employees. There was also feedback from employees on what type of artworks they would most like to see in their workplace.
Popular options were: Artwork type: painting (30 per cent); Artwork type: contemporary (24 per cent); Artwork subjects: coastal scenes (24 per cent)
The project, which was carried out in the UK, Austria, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, used survey results to collaborate with students to produce ideal office artworks for each country. The results can be seen here.
Despite having preferences, most people have no control over what appears in their office. Only 28 per cent of employees have any power to influence the artwork where they work.
There are several reasons why people are limited in this: 38 per cent say their companies are limited due to budgetary constraints; 30 per cent are limited due to a lack of appreciation of artwork on the part of their employers; The importance assigned to art in the office looks set to further increase, as over two-thirds of under 35s (64 per cent) think that art should be in every workplace, compared to just 49 per cent of over 35s.
Younger employees also place more value on the benefits of art in the workplace: 54 per cent of under 35s think art increases productivity, compared to one-third (34 per cent) of over 35s; 58 per cent of under 35s think art reduces stress, compared to under half (45 per cent) of over 35s; 60per cent of under 35s think art increases happiness, compared to 49per cent of over 35s
Clare Porciani, Senior Manager HR Operations UK & Ireland at Viking, commented on the research,
Artwork can have a whole host of benefits for businesses. It impacts everyone from employees to potential clients. This research has indicated that those who do not install meaningful artwork in their work and office spaces risk missing out on easy wins when it comes to staff productivity and impressing contacts.
When placing artwork in your workspace, consult with employees and make them feel part of the process to really reap the full potential of your investment.
*By Viking
Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!
Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.
Aphrodite is also a professional painter.
