How can you use color to boost productivity and morale in the workplace?

1 The basics of color theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact and influence each other, as well as human perception and behavior. There are three main aspects of color theory: the color wheel, the color schemes, and the color harmony. The color wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationships between the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. The color schemes are the combinations of colors that create different effects, such as complementary, analogous, triadic, or monochromatic. The color harmony is the balance and contrast of colors that create a pleasing and coherent impression.

2 The psychology of color

Color psychology is the study of how colors affect human emotions, cognition, and actions. Different colors can evoke different feelings, associations, and responses, depending on the context, culture, and personal preference. For example, red can be associated with passion, excitement, urgency, or danger. Blue can be associated with calmness, trust, professionalism, or coldness. Yellow can be associated with happiness, optimism, creativity, or anxiety. Green can be associated with nature, health, growth, or envy.

3 The best colors for productivity

When it comes to which colors are best for productivity, the answer varies depending on the type of work, the industry, the target audience, and individual preference. Generally speaking, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can stimulate energy, motivation, and attention. They are suitable for tasks that require physical activity, creativity, or urgency. However, too much or too bright warm colors can also cause stress, aggression, or fatigue. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple promote calmness, concentration, and relaxation. They are great for tasks that require mental focus, logic, or accuracy. But too much or too dark cool colors can cause boredom, depression, or detachment. Neutral colors such as white, black, gray, or brown create a balanced atmosphere that is professional and elegant. They are ideal for tasks that require clarity, simplicity, or sophistication. But too much or too dull neutral colors can lead to lack of interest, creativity, or personality.

4 The best colors for morale

Similar to productivity, the choice of colors in the workplace can also have an impact on morale. Colors can affect the mood, satisfaction, and engagement of your employees and clients. When selecting colors for your workplace, it is important to consider the brand identity, values, and goals of your business. Additionally, colors should be chosen based on the function, culture, and personality of your workplace. Furthermore, you should take into consideration the preferences, needs, and feedback of your employees and clients. For example, if your business is about innovation you could use colors such as purple, orange or yellow; whereas if your business is about sustainability, you could use colors such as green, blue or brown. If your workplace is a creative studio, then you could use bright and vivid colors; if it is a law firm then darker colors might be more appropriate. You can conduct surveys or interviews to find out what colors your employees and clients like or associate with your business. Involving them in the color selection process could also be beneficial.

5 The best ways to apply color in the workplace

Once you have chosen the colors for your workplace, you need to consider the best way to apply them. The 60-30-10 rule is a good place to start, which involves using 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent color. This can create a balanced and harmonious color scheme, with the dominant color usually being neutral or cool and setting the tone and mood of the space. Meanwhile, the secondary color is usually warm or contrasting, adding interest and variation to the space. Finally, the accent color is bright or bold, helping to draw focus and attention.

You can also vary the color temperature, saturation, and value to create contrast and depth in the space. The temperature refers to how warm or cool a color is, while saturation refers to how pure or dull it is. Value indicates how light or dark it is. By adjusting these aspects you can highlight different areas, elements, or functions in the space. Additionally, you can use color psychology, associations, and meanings to create messages and emotions that support your business goals and brand identity.

Color is an important tool for boosting productivity and morale in the workplace. With an understanding of color theory and psychology you can create a commercial design that looks great while also being psychologically and emotionally stimulating.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?