Your Brain on Art: Boost Employee Well-being with Art

In their groundbreaking book, "Your Brain on Art," authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross describe the profound impact of art on our brains and minds. Their research provides rich evidence demonstrating how engaging with art can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety: Studies show that simply looking at art can significantly lower the stress hormone cortisol. Immersive art experiences, like creating art or attending live performances, can further amplify these stress-reducing effects.
• Boost creativity and problem-solving: Engaging with various art forms, like music or even doodling, activates the right brain, the hub of creativity and problem-solving. The book mentions a company that introduced lunchtime drawing sessions and witnessed a surge in innovative ideas and employee engagement. Imagine team-building projects that involve collaborative murals, fostering not just artistic expression but also teamwork and shared ownership.

• Improve focus and concentration: Immersing oneself in art, like listening to music or attending a play, can help quiet the mind and improve attention span. This can be particularly beneficial for employees who work in fast-paced environments or struggle with distraction.
• Enhance empathy and social connection: Art has the power to connect us to others on an emotional level. Sharing and discussing art experiences can foster empathy, collaboration, and team building within the workplace.
• Increase overall well-being: Research in "Your Brain on Art" suggests that regular art engagement can lead to positive health outcomes, from reduced pain perception and improved sleep quality to enhanced mood, strengthened immune function, and even a longer lifespan.

Tips for workplaces

"Your Brain on Art" offers a compelling argument for incorporating art-based activities into workplaces. Here are some specific ideas:

• Art appreciation workshops: Invite artists or art educators to lead guided tours of museums or galleries, or host discussions on specific artworks. Another approach is to offer employees access to online art tutorials or partner with local museums for discounted group visits.
• Creative expression programs: Offer opportunities for employees to participate in art classes, such as painting, drawing, or music. Even simple activities like coloring or doodling can be effective stress relievers.
• Mindfulness through art: Incorporate art-based mindfulness exercises into employee wellness programs, such as mindful coloring or guided meditations focusing on specific artworks. The book Draw Your Feelings by Rukmini Poddar may be a useful resource.
• Artful office spaces: Create a stimulating work environment by incorporating art into the office design. Display employee artwork, rotate curated collections, or even install interactive art installations. In a similar vein, imagine designated "mindfulness corners" featuring calming artworks and music, helping employees refocus and tackle tasks with renewed clarity.
• Community art projects: Encourage team building and social connection through collaborative art projects, such as murals or community gardens. Imagine incorporating rotating art exhibits or hosting artistic open-mic nights, encouraging employees to share their creative voices and build deeper connections.
• Learn from others: Health@Work appreciates that in the spring of 2024 Wendy Horng Brawer ?? and Mary Hendra helped design a Play and Art @ Work event featuring ten excellent speakers (video). We also appreciate Susan Magsamen for giving a webinar talk for the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing.

By understanding the science behind art's impact on the brain, we can unlock its potential as a powerful tool for improving employee engagement, creativity, and overall well-being. So, why not unleash the inner artist in employees and watch your workplace flourish?