The Importance of Office Aesthetics
The aesthetic of an office space can directly impact employees’ productivity and satisfaction. Studies have shown that offices with natural light, comfortable furniture and beautiful decor are more productive than those with harsh fluorescent lighting and dark rooms.
The right colors can inspire energy, creativity or calmness. But it’s important to strike a balance between looks and practicality.
1. Colors
Colour isn’t just a style consideration; it has real psychological effects on us. Studies have shown that we form unconscious judgments of an environment within 90 seconds, and 62%-90% of those are based on color alone.
When it comes to office aesthetics, the colors you choose set the tone for your entire workspace. Dark hues like gray can create a feeling of gloom and doom while bright colors like yellows or greens can energize the space.
Green is a great option for offices that work long hours, as it’s easy on the eyes and encourages productivity. Red is also an excellent choice for offices that rely on physical labor as it stimulates the brain and promotes flow.
Bold hues can also be used as a way of marking different types of spaces, from collaborative areas to quiet zones. This type of ‘color zoning’ reduces confusion and is crucial for wayfinding, particularly for neurodivergent employees. Incorporating colors in this manner also signals to staff that their comfort and wellbeing are a top priority for the organization.
2. Lighting
Like a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains or turquoise waves washing up on an alabaster shoreline, attractive lighting has the power to make us feel happy and content. This effect is especially important in the workplace, where aesthetics can influence job satisfaction and loyalty. In fact, research shows that employees who work in an aesthetically pleasing office have higher productivity than those working in unappealing surroundings.
The right kind of lighting can highlight the best features of an open office layout while creating a cozy workspace. For example, inexpensive pendant lights can amplify a shared workspace’s modern look while accentuating a collaborative area, or warm track lighting can soften the edges of a lounge furniture setup. Similarly, a dimmable overhead light lets individual workers customize their workspace to suit their needs during different tasks.
Other aesthetic touches, such as a living wall of easy-to-care-for plants (like ferns, bromeliads, and ivies) and natural graphics can bring a sense of outdoorsy nature to the workplace. This can help stimulate the mind, boost creativity, and encourage employees to develop innovative solutions to challenges.
3. Furniture
Aesthetic office furniture and decor is important to employee satisfaction, as well as the overall productivity of a company. Studies have shown that employees who work in aesthetically pleasing environments feel less stressed, more motivated, and have higher job satisfaction. Aesthetic elements like natural light, greenery, and ergonomic office furniture are crucial to boosting employee well-being.
The right furniture can also reflect a company’s brand and culture, creating a more appealing space that feels like a cohesive unit. The latest trends in office furniture are focused on flexibility and technology integration, with many designs featuring adjustable components to support different working styles. Other popular styles include minimalist design and sustainable materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental conservation.
The best aesthetic office furniture is designed for both function and form, combining comfort with style. Look for pieces that incorporate a neutral color palette with pops of color to create a cohesive and harmonious workspace. For example, a soft faux fur rug or shag carpet can complement an otherwise neutral small office by adding texture and warmth to the space.
4. Floors
Floors can be a powerful tool in conveying the desired ambiance of the space. For example, a flooring design that reflects the company’s brand or culture can energize employees and reinforce the company’s identity. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including overt logo incorporation or custom color palettes, both of which are easily achievable in vinyl flooring using advanced digital colour placement technology. A more subtle option is the use of natural designs and patterns that reflect biophilic principles. These styles evoke feelings of nature and relaxation, which have been shown to reduce stress and increase productivity.
For high-traffic areas, durable materials like luxury vinyl are a great option. For areas that need a touch of elegance, wood look flooring provides a sophisticated feel. And, for areas that need to be calming and quiet, a soft and cozy rug can delineate seating areas and add warmth and comfort.
5. Accessories
With many workers working remotely or combining work from home with the office, aesthetically pleasing office design has become even more important to boost productivity and employee satisfaction. Design elements like natural light, ergonomic furniture, and a well-chosen color palette create an environment that’s both visually stimulating and conducive to work. These factors can also motivate employees to feel connected to the workplace and to the company’s culture.
Adding accessories like Cassette Tape Dispenser to your office decor is a great way to make it uniquely yours and add a personal touch to your workspace. Choose accessories that complement your Dark Academia style, such as frames for artwork and photos, or try creating a gallery wall with framed prints of flowers and plants. Stylish tech accessories, such as desk pad, can add to your office’s aesthetic and help keep your desk organized.
Visually appealing offices are a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent. Candidates are more likely to accept job offers from companies with beautiful offices that reflect a forward-thinking work culture and commitment to employee well-being. Similarly, current employees are more likely to stay with their employer for the long term if they enjoy their workplace and find it motivating.
