“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”— Pablo Picasso

According to SSB.no the workplace sickness absence rate, seasonally adjusted hit an all-time high during Q2, 2024 at 7.09%. Unfortunately, this seems to be an upward trend. This has a direct and financially negative impact on a company.

When you don't have a healthy, safe, collaborative, and inspiring workplace you feel costs in lack of productivity, increases in sick leave, employee turnover, and more—and yes, even in Norway.

Creating an inspiring and productive environment is crucial in an era where we spend significant portions of our lives seated or in a static position. Art in the workplace is much more than mere decoration.

In fact, research shows that art in the workplace can have a range of effects, from attracting talent, reducing stress, and increasing creativity to strengthening camaraderie, empathy, and reputation. Below we share more of these key benefits and documented effects of integrating art at work.

“Research has shown that there is no trade-off between wellbeing and productivity. The two variables correlate positively.” Dr. Craig Knight

1. Enhanced Well-Being and Reduced Stress

According to a comprehensive report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, which analyzed over 3,000 studies, art plays a significant role in preventing health problems and providing positive health effects.

“Notably, well-being benefits of regular engagement with the arts are evident. In adults, the benefits appear to be in terms of both general well-being and occupational well-being in the workplace.”—WHO

A study conducted by Brookfield Properties and The School of Life also shows that office art can enhance overall employee well-being and motivation. Art creates a visually stimulating environment that can boost mood by up to 50% by activating the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine. This is especially important in high-pressure work environments, where stress is often present.

For example, exposure to art can lower cortisol levels by up to 75% and activate the body’s relaxation system, leading to reduced stress.

2. Fostering Creativity and Productivity

Our findings suggest that workers want to work in spaces enriched by art, culture and wellness, which they believe promote creativity, contentment, socialising and learning.—The School of Life

A 2010 report by Knight & Haslam found that art can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving by activating both hemispheres of the brain. Additionally, art can serve as a form of “positive distraction” that encourages self-reflection and informal socialization, which in turn increases collaboration and idea generation among employees.

Offices without character and a sense of culture do not get the best out of their workforce. Registered Psychologist, Dr. Craig Knight also found that curating spaces in an office space or building with art can increase productivity by up to 17%, and if you go further and engage workers directly in the arts, it can rise by up to 32%.

3. Strengthening Cohesion and Culture

Engagement with art can also help build social connections and community in the workplace. Semir Zeki (2011) documented how art activities can strengthen social bonds and contribute to a more inclusive environment. This can be crucial for building a strong corporate culture that encourages collaboration and communication.

As many as 77% of employees believe that art contributes to a positive workplace culture, increased collaboration, and overall well-being. Additionally, art can act as a bridge for communication between employees from diverse backgrounds, helping to reduce biases and promote understanding and empathy.

How To Choose Art For Your Office

Reach out to us and schedule a complimentary consulting session with one of our professional art curators. During a short call, we’ll discuss your space, how artwork can align with your brand and drive to create a better work environment, as well as the exhibitions and various types of art we can offer you.

Rent or Own Art?

We offer various models that make it easy to transform the workplace into a more inspiring and dynamic environment. A common question is whether to rent or own art.

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and predictable monthly price with the ability to switch out artworks, our rental model is likely the best solution. This model also includes art consultancy, installation, and insurance. It allows the company to acquire art at a fixed and budget-friendly monthly price while maintaining the flexibility to regularly change artworks, keeping the office dynamic and inspiring.

If you have long-term plans for art in your business and want to build (or expand) your own collection, purchasing art can be advantageous. This can also provide a sense of ownership and identity to the company.

If there are uncertainties about what kind of art will work best for your workplace, our rental model can be an easy way to get started by testing out different styles and artists.

We also offer more customized art packages and project management for larger art projects and commissioned works.

Regardless, acquiring art through Atelie actively supports the local art community. This engagement with local artists allows companies to create a distinct identity that reflects their values and mission while promoting a sense of community and collaboration that resonates beyond the workplace.

By investing in art, organizations contribute to the vitality of the cultural landscape and improve both their internal environment and the broader community, creating a win-win situation that enriches the experience for both employees and visitors.

For question or enquiries, reach out: hello@atelie.art / +47 92445951

Questions and Answers:

Q: What specific types of art or artistic activities have been shown to have the greatest impact on employee well-being and productivity?

A: Research indicates that various artistic expressions can be beneficial for employee well-being and productivity. Visual art, such as paintings and sculptures, enhances the aesthetics of the workplace and creates an inspiring atmosphere. Music, especially when used in therapeutic contexts, has also been shown to reduce stress and enhance focus.

Engaging employees in interactive art forms, such as workshops or collaborative projects, can foster creativity and teamwork. The effectiveness of different types of art can vary based on workplace culture and employee preferences, making it important to consider these factors when selecting art for the office.

Q: How can companies measure the return on investment (ROI) from incorporating art into their workplaces?

A: Organizations can use various methods to measure ROI by incorporating art into their work environment. Surveys and feedback tools can assess employee satisfaction, engagement, and perceived stress levels before and after introducing art. Additionally, tracking productivity metrics, such as output levels or creative contributions, can help quantify improvements. Some companies may also conduct case studies or compare with similar companies that do not integrate art, providing further insights into the tangible benefits of their investment.

Q: How can the company engage employees with art?

A: To engage employees with art, companies can organize activities such as art exhibitions, tours, or theme evenings where they can learn about the artworks that adorn the office. This can spark an interest in art and help promote a culture where art becomes a part of everyday life in the workplace, without requiring employees to be directly involved in the selection of the pieces.

We collaborate with Funder Art, which employs a methodological approach to using art in the development of human qualities that are essential in the workplace. Funder Art offers development programs, modules for leadership and talent development, as well as inspirational lectures. Through this collaboration, we can help you integrate art into the work environment in a way that enriches the experience for employees and strengthens corporate culture.

Sources:

• Zeki, S. (2011). The neurological impact of art on the brain.
• Knight, C., & Haslam, S. A. (2010). The impact of organizational culture on the adoption of art in the workplace.
• Kaimal, G., et al. (2016). Art therapy and mental health outcomes.
• British Council for Offices Study (2017). The Impact of Design on Office Productivity.
• Brookfield Properties and The School of Life (2022). Art and Well-being in the Workplace.
• Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. WHO.