The Three Best Wall Colors to Boost Productivity

From one Nine-to-Fiver to another, it comes as no surprise if I tell you that your office environment has a profound effect on your productivity levels, no matter how motivated or driven you may be. Some factors are unavoidable; perhaps your cubicle neighbor is a loud phone-talker. Or maybe you’ve got a colleague whose incessant pen-clicking constantly takes your your mind off the task at hand.

However, there are factors that you can control, and one in particular can help boost productivity. That factor is wall color. Colors trigger different emotions within people which, in turn, will affect how employees function in the work place. Research has shown that certain colors increase performance and activity in the workplace. Make the most of your space with our top three color recommendations.   

Green

While it may sound crazy, some designers feel that the color green can be treated as a neutral shade. Paired beautifully with both warm and cool colors, green conveys the feeling of balance. It radiates a tranquil vibe, making it an excellent color choice for any office space. Ideal for anyone who has to make tough decisions or multitask, green will help employees keep a balanced mind and a calm disposition, even in times of high stress.

Blue

Blue is universally thought of as a calming color. Likely due to its association with cool, calming waters or a clear sky, blue is a common color choice for bedrooms and bathrooms in the home. In the work place, the color inspires creativity. It helps to open the mind and encourage calm communication between employees. Because there are so many shades of blue, the color can easily be brought into almost any space regardless of the overall color scheme, even in smaller spaces like conference rooms where brainstorming may be frequent. 

Red

The color red has a very different effect than green or blue, but can boost productivity nonetheless. While blues and greens are relaxing, red is stimulating. It gets the gears going and results in big moves – physically! In fact, scientific studies have shown that exposure to the color red is known to boost blood pressure. It will literally get you going. Red is often recommended in dynamic offices to instigate conversation and inspire change.

All this being said – reaction to color is very much tied to personality. One person may feel inspired and stimulated by the color red, while others will feel overwhelmed and anxious. Additionally, the intensity of the color can have differentiating effects on employees. As you would expect, the more intense a color, the more invigorating it will be. Alternatively, choosing a subtler hue will have more of a peaceful effect. So which do you select? It is entirely dependent on what YOU need most out of your workspace. 

A good rule of thumb is to consider how much of your space you are adding color to. For example, if your current workspace is all white and you’d like to add color top-to-bottom, it makes more sense to choose a less saturated color. There will be a large amount of wall space reflecting the hue of your choice, so it’s smart to be subtle. On the other hand, if you are planning to add color in accented areas, like feature walls, columns, or decorative pieces, feel free to be a little bolder in your selection.

When it comes down to it, color will affect everyone differently. But studies have shown that the above colors and shades can have a profoundly positive effect on company morale. Give it a try – deploy an accent wall in your office space, and watch productivity soar.