Art in the workplace: a nicety or a necessity?

What our sector is saying

Work Design Now published an article recently on The Value of Art in the Workplace. The author, Jeffrey Sklaver, makes a strong case that “art is a critical component – on par with light, air, ergonomics and quiet spaces – in the ongoing conversation about methods for making employees feel better about their environment and more productive at work.”

Businesses viewing art as a nicety

The problem, he says, is that many businesses view art as a “nicety and not a necessity”. When it comes to commercial refurbishment, our experience does suggest that businesses have taken the view that art is a nicety and not a necessity. As workplace designers, often we must identify cost effective alternatives to successfully balance creativity with the client’s business objectives.

Practical benefits of art in the workplace

It can feel awkward to broach the subject of planning for art at the design stage. Especially when you know the client is focused on funding the cost of change and getting maximum return on investment. However, if more companies in our sector continue the dialogue about the value of art in offices then organisations will come to recognise its practical benefits which include:

• breaking up and defining large, open plan areas;
• reinforcing company culture;
• authentically communicating brand values; and
• contributing to a healthier work environment by addressing psychological as well as physical needs.

Art we chose for our space

Karen from Cupola Gallery helped us source the contemporary art for our own space.