The Importance of Art in the Workplace

Offices in America are more than half-full for the first time since the pandemic. 

While hybrid-working conditions are expected to continue, major corporations like Apple, Amazon, and Disney are calling for corporate employees to be in the office at least 3 days a week, signaling a significant shift in office attendance. 

Given the slow but steady trickle, company culture has been at the forefront of discussions as employees swap remote zoom sessions for in-person meetings. 

Fostering a positive company culture is essential to all businesses in 2023 and beyond. Historical data tells a story of companies with strong cultures beating out the pack, generating higher productivity and profitability rates. A strong internal culture isn’t just good for profits, it also leads to attracting greater talent and retaining your best players. 

DLR, a global design firm, displayed their commitment to sustainability in their HQ entrance through a vibrant interior mural that captures their commitment to ecological-friendly practices. The artist, Jesse Hora, uses art to open up conversations on human consumption, encouraging conscious consumerism through a holistic approach. 

It’s undeniable that these pieces can positively impact all areas of your business, especially internal employees. Gallup, an American analytics company, reports the following statistics on employees who claim to work in a positive working environment: 

• 3.7x as likely to be engaged in their everyday work 
• 5.2x as likely to recommend their organization as a great place to work 
• 37% more likely to consider themselves “thriving” 
• 68% less likely to feel burned out 
• 55% less likely to be looking for another job

Adding large works of creative art, like an interior mural, can help serve as a foundational building block to curating a positive working environment that reflects your culture and company mission(s). It’s also been a proven tactic to increase creativity while helping reduce stress levels. 

Finding the right art is just as important as the art itself, and that starts with identifying the main objective, which can include but isn’t limited to—celebrating internal employees, displaying core brand values and messaging, capturing your audience and their culture…and well, the list can go on and on. Once you complete this step, securing the right artist will help further drive your goals. For example, if you want a piece on sustainability, your artist needs to have a portfolio and personal brand that neatly aligns with missions dedicated to climate change—missing the mark here can lead to an inauthentic experience that does more harm than good.

When you take these steps and dedicate the right resources and time, you can accomplish something that positively impact all areas of your business, leading to a truly invaluable asset that will help your company grow for years to come.