Bored in a meeting? Distracted while trying to hit a deadline? You might not realise it, but the colour of your workspace could be having a significant impact on your mood and productivity.
Research shows that certain shades spark specific emotions and behaviours. A study by Lund University, in Sweden, found that brain activity was heightened in colourful rooms (especially blue and red) compared to rooms with more neutral tones.
Picking the right colour scheme is key to creating a harmonious working environment – so which ones should you choose for yours? We explain what the psychology of colours means below.
Red
Red is considered to be the colour of love, anger, and passion – but did you know it could also be the perfect colour for meeting rooms?
A study by Utrecht University, in the Netherlands, found that red stimulated faster and more forceful reactions, according to Science Daily.
Consider strategically placed red furniture items in meeting rooms to help with key decision making.
Leading Global equity firm HG.
Blue
We normally associate the colour blue with feelings of calm, peace and quiet – but experts have found plenty of other scientific benefits too.
Research from Glasgow Caledonian University found that blue spaces can lower the risk of stress, anxiety, obesity, cardiovascular disease and premature death, according to the BBC.
Blue furniture in breakout spaces and quiet working areas could help foster a calm environment.
Independent Asset Management Firm – Fiera Capital
Yellow
Happiness, joy and sunshine – these are all things we think about when we see the colour yellow.
But it can also help us to focus. A study by La Sierra University, California, found that yellow creates a heightened mental state in young children, which can help them raise test scores.
It could be a great colour to incorporate in main working areas.
Consulting engineering group Ramboll Group.
Green
Green is widely considered to be soothing and refreshing because it reminds us of nature and being outdoors.
But it can have a surprising impact on our imagination as well. A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that participants who were shown the colour green before being set certain tasks came up with more creative ideas compared to those who were shown white – something which has been dubbed the “green effect”.
Green could be a perfect colour for collaboration areas.
Wellness and Beauty Booking Platform Fresha.
Orange
Orange is a big mood booster, widely considered to be an uplifting and warm colour.
Similarly to yellow, orange can be useful in environments where you need to concentrate.
A study by the University of Liège, Belgium, found that people who were shown the colour orange for 10 minutes had more prefrontal cortex activity in the brain, which is linked to higher cognitive function, compared to those who were shown blue or green, according to nature.com.
Orange furniture in working zone spaces could be a great colour choice.
