We were told by teachers in school to make our exam notes in coloured pen. Why? Because the brain remembers colour! So why not incorporate colour into the workspace?
Colours have been known to produce emotional responses in people. For example, red for anger, blue for sadness, green for envy. As we all know, the colour red is associated with danger. But it also increases heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism, causing an increase in appetite which is why it’s so popular in fast food restaurants.
Blue, on the other hand, is known to stimulate the intellectual mind, often associated with logic. Depending on the shade, blue lends a calming effect to the brian. Blue has the opposite effect of red as it slows down heart rate and decreases appetite.
But how does colour translate to an office space? You don’t want your employees to be constantly hungry, nor do you want them to be constantly tired. So where’s the best in-between? There’s a way to understand and achieve the correct use of colour, thus enabling employees to reach their full potential.
Of course, like anything, colour should be used in moderation. You don’t want your office looking like the inside of a rainbow. You want to use colours that compliment each other; include good contrasts. It should feel natural and fresh and not very cartoon-like.
The best way to tackle this challenge is to create zones of colour around the workspace. For example, blue in spaces where employees go to ‘wind-down’, and a splash of yellow – a more vibrant and alert colour which awakens the senses – in work zones to encourage productivity.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to the interior decor of an office space. It all depends on your business, your employees and clients. It’s good to be aware of the importance of colour in a work space – remember to use everything to your advantage.
In any instance, natural light always makes a space feel brighter, thus increasing positive performance of employees. So if you pick the right space, you’re already halfway there.
To find an office space that encourages maximum productivity, contact Bolton Birch today, and we’ll talk you through the process.