Colour and Productivity: The Science of Colour in Workspace Design

An ideal working environment should have a healthy workspace and ergonomic seating. We spend almost a third of our lives working and to have a comfortable workspace that supports our health and well-being is a given. Colour can influence our emotions and actions at a subconscious level. Thus, with the right colour scheme and design, we can create a high-performing workspace.

A recent study found that gray, beige, and white workspace invoke sadness and depression, particularly in women. Unfortunately, most office spaces often choose these bland colours in their design. However, combining these colours with other brighter hues can elevate positive emotions.

In contrast, men experienced similar gloomy emotions in colours such as purple and orange. Though these colours are often eye-catching, the overuse of orange and purple in a workspace is linked to frustration. Using different orange and purple tones or mixing up with a light colour will add a sense of calmness.

Low wavelength colours, namely green and blue, can improve efficiency and focus. Both colours are also associated with Mother Nature's palette; hence they will lead to an overall sense of well-being. Blue is an excellent choice for meeting rooms, while green can also be incorporated through plants in the workspace.

A high wavelength colour, namely red, will increase heart rate, blood flow, and appetite. It is advised to use red sparingly as too much red can be overpowering. It can lead to headaches, anger, and frustration among employees.

Meanwhile, yellow is a shade of optimism and positivity. Splashes of yellow can boost creativity and stimulate teamwork. Nonetheless, overuse of yellow can lead to eyestrain and cause frustration. Yellow works best for creative professionals such as artists and designers' workspace.

The right combination of colours in a workspace can boost overall productivity and sparks more output. Some colours may not do the trick by themselves, hence choosing the balance of different colour schemes is a way to go.