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Beyond Aesthetics: The Relationship Between Artwork & Productivity at Workspaces

Human faculties tend to seek consolation in Art. 

“If you enrich a space people feel much happier and work better; a very good way of doing this is by using art.”

~ Dr Craig Knight, Researcher, University of Exeter.

Dr Craig Knight has been studying working environments and the psychology involved therein for over 12 years. His findings include the fact that distraction from art is beneficial to the creative capabilities of the employees. The productivity and well-being of the employees are enhanced if they work in a bright creative workspace. 

An employee spends 8 to 10 hours each day in their office. Well-thought and aesthetically designed workspaces can correct the monotony and stress in the lives of employees. Corporations have realized the need for an innovative and interactive workspace that speaks their vision on one hand and accentuates the work culture and environment on the other hand. 

“Furthermore, Forbes looked at a US study, dispelling the notion that art in the workplace is merely decorative and that found that 78% of respondents agreed that art in the workplace reduced stress levels, while 64% stated that it increased and inspired creativity. The survey which elicited over 800 responses also found that art in the workplace encouraged increased collaboration and expressions of opinion from employees.”

Research Across the Globe

Almost all of the major organizations pay the utmost attention as to what kind of art, artwork, sculptures find space in their office. Worldwide, a dozen research has been conducted to study this fascinating relationship between art and productivity:

  1. Exeter University under Dr Craig concluded in their research that employees who found themselves in control of the layout and design of their workspace were 32% more productive than their counterparts. 
  2. The same research provided another interesting conclusion – workers working in spaces having artwork and plants were 15% more productive than those working in plain and functional spaces. 
  3. A study by The BCA and International Association of Professional Art Advisors’s Survey posited that 83% of the employees felt the need for artwork in their work environment as quite significant, while 73% felt that their perception about the organization would change if the art was removed. 

The Functional Aspect of Art at Workplaces

Max House, Okhla

“A momentary distraction is definitely not a bad thing in the workplace. Art has historically always been about escape, and we all need an escape sometimes.”

Distraction, if towards art, boosts productivity and creativity. Let’s discuss a few insights as to why art in offices is more than just an add-on:

Additional dimensions of artistic spaces in formal and conservative spaces help in relaxing the environment. Employees feel more involved and enthusiastic. The interaction of the employees with the colors, textures, and lighting of the office space not only helps in uplifting moods but also offers an intellectual boost. Secondly, when the employees are given more control over their environment, they feel more empowered. This leads to greater performance. 

With myriad moods and placement of artworks throughout Max Towers, we induce inspiration in its purest forms – from curiosity and calm to playfulness and mystery.

Each piece is uniquely designed and installed by world-class international artists, leaving a mark in our lives in ways only quality art can.

Max Towers, Noida

Studies have shown the rehabilitative effect of art on people. Office routines and packed schedules usually demand a lot from the employees, often overbearing their health. Art, especially nature sceneries, soothes the inbuilt tension and anxiety in the employees. Besides giving a creative boost, it restores the mental energy and also reduces instances of anger, distress, and fatigue at workplaces. 

Max House, Okhla

The kind of art an organization chooses becomes a sort of hallmark of its work culture and practices. For instance, art pieces from several cultures and countries would point to the multiculturalism aspect of its vision. Similarly, the type of art chosen is a non-verbal way of communicating brand messages to the clients. A company’s history, character, style, prospects can be reflected through a cleverly curated collection. 

Deutsche Bank boasts of the biggest collection of corporate art consisting of 60,000 pieces spread over 40 countries across the globe. Aligning with their ethos of developing new ideas for their clients, they believe “Art offers a window into the social, political and economic aesthetics around the world and this makes it a good inspirational fit” for their business. 

Deutsche Bank London Head Office

At Max Estates, we feel deeply about the intersection of work and life. A crucial component of this synergistic experience is art. Art has the unique ability to not just blend in with work, but also actively participate in it, inspiring and guiding all that we do. Art at Max Estates goes a step further, giving our tenants a sense of belonging with a space they can fall in love with. It’s also a manifestation of our ethos and philosophy – enabling interactions, blending work and happiness, and building communities and bonds beyond work. All of this, simultaneously.

Get to know the ‘Art at Max Estates’ better. 

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