Arty Business – how to improve your work environment

It not just about pay, how businesses show their staff they are valued and the environment they create for them can sink or save a company.

In a competitive market companies are now having to seriously think about creating a productive, ‘enriched’ atmosphere in the workplace. But how do you make employees feel loved and encourage productivity? Some firms lay on fresh breakfasts and free coffee to employees, others provide beanbags and table football!

We believe that the design of the workplace, of both the public face and the back office can give a business the edge over competitors, helping to attract the best staff and fostering a productive and creative atmosphere. Obviously there is the efficient design of the space; should the workplace be open plan to encourage interaction and sharing of ideas or more divided so workers can concentrate?  But should a business be investing in Art? Surely that’s just a luxury and low down the list?

We would argue that getting art on the walls or sculpture in the lobby is an immediate signifier of what sort of workspace it is. If your corridors are decorated with old faded Monet posters your workers may wonder quite how valued they are and quite how creative and confident the business really is. If however you take time to place original and interesting works of art in the office then the team may well feel more respected.

Art helps to create a feeling of what you wish the business to be.  For example, traditionally solicitors and barristers have decorated their offices like gentlemen clubs, brown furniture, oil paintings of the founders or country scenes, leather bound books, the art and furniture conveyed substance, tradition and dependability. Or perhaps on the other hand now it might convey a plodding company stuck in old ways of doing things?

The same company wanting to convey a different message could be transformed with a thoughtful makeover – large screen prints perhaps or interesting abstract paintings on light walls, midcentury vintage desks and well designed chairs. The makeover wouldn’t just be for visitors, the changes would naturally affect the atmosphere for the staff. The change alone would make the team feel valued and impressed that the boss is investing in their environment. But the substance of the changes, will help nudge an environment and attitude that could help to make the business a success.

New contemporary art work may serve a dual purpose – to convey a modern impression to visitors but may also encourage original and fresh thinking in employees. Abstract works can be calming and foster a serious but innovative atmosphere. Contemporary screen prints could make the company seem young and energetic but perhaps also encourage employees towards more risk taking and creative solutions.

There is serious research to back up the idea that an interesting or ‘enriched’  work environment actually can boost productivity, lower stress and increase wellbeing   A recent article by Kirstie Brewer in the Guardian referenced research conducted over 12 years by a group led by psychologist Dr Craid Wright at the University of Exeter. “If you enrich a space people feel much happier and work better; a very good way of doing this is by using art.” Many firms have instinctively realised the truth of this for years. Deutsche Bank for example has a collection of 60,000 artworks across 900 office and Canary Wharf has one of the largest collections of public art in the UK.

Buying original art need not be crazy expensive – original prints (etchings / woodcuts / screen prints) can be bought for under £100 up to £1000, or decent paintings from £400. Visiting the degree shows gives you a chance to buy a bargain from a potential Turner Prize winner at the start of their career! Galleries will be more than happy to help too of course and prices may not be fixed in stone especially if multiple purchases are made. Buying direct from artists at certain art fairs or studio events can be a great way of learning more about the work direct from the artist and many artists are happy to accept payment in instalments.

Giving employees a brief and a budget and sending a delegation round an art fair is a great and fun way to get workers involved in the design of their own spaces. Workers may well spend more time in their workspace than even their own living room. so it’s important for them to get the right atmosphere. You may take the opportunity to discuss with employees what that atmosphere should be, calm, exciting, stimulating, fun, serious, contemporary, hygge!?

Of course art can also be a good investment. That might require a different approach, perhaps either buying a lot of work from emerging artists in the hope that some of them will become the big names of tomorrow or buying from established artists who have a good track record. But personally I think art is to be seen and so the quality of the work, and the enjoyment we will get from the work should be the priority as that piece of art will be seen every day.

To sum up, what impression and effect are you wanting to convey by the art you have in the workplace? What do your workers want – do they want to get involved? Are you wanting to start a collection as both an addition to the workplace and an investment and what’s your budget?

Come along to Brighton Art Fair at Lewes and chat to the organisers of the show and meet the 60+ artists exhibiting. The show runs from November 30-Dec 1 at the Lewes Town Hall. www.brightonartfair.co.uk