Art Play

By Jo Phillips

How art can play a big part to boost productivity.

Image by donations welcome from Pixabay

The pandemic has changed working habits for a lot of people all over the world. Many have made the permanent switch to doing their jobs remotely, while others have adopted a hybrid approach to try and find that balance between home and office life.

Meanwhile, there are those who have returned to the office full-time – whether it be due to the nature of their work or through personal preference. But its role has changed in recent years, and many businesses are harnessing the power of art to help their employees maximise their productivity.

So, how exactly does this happen and what are the other benefits of using art in the workplace? Read on to find out more – plus, we provide a few handy tips on other things you can do to make the most of your day.

How the role of the office has changed

The office is where people come together. They spend a large chunk of their time there, occupying the same space and coping with the various personal and professional challenges that life can throw up. And for many in the wake of the pandemic, it’s provided a welcome return to more regular social interaction. Rather than filling employees with dread, a trip to the office now represents an opportunity for enjoyment and fulfilment – a chance to share ideas and learn from others.

How art can boost your productivity

Studies have found that art can have a positive effect on employees’ productivity, because statement pieces can act as conversation starters, getting the innovative juices flowing and helping people to think creatively. And those same studies show that when staff are encouraged to have an input into the design of their office, productivity increases even further. So, all it takes is a quick brainstorming session and to put those ideas into practice using the right drill bit set for the wall fixings and you’ll be good to go!

How art can improve your mental health

But the benefits can extend far beyond boosting productivity. For example, creating artwork can help people to process their emotions, build their confidence, relieve stress, develop their self-awareness and act as a release. So, if you need some pieces for the office, you could always turn it into a team-bonding exercise, where staff are encouraged to produce their own designs and hang them on the walls.

How else can you improve your productivity?

Here are just a few useful tips you might like to try:

Plan your day

Start by setting out the list of tasks in front of you and how long you might expect them to take. And if you know you’re more alert and productive at a certain time of day – first thing in the morning, for example – be sure to schedule in your most complex jobs for that period, to avoid struggling at another juncture.

Take regular breaks

Being productive isn’t about working flat out for hours on end. When that happens, the chances are you’ll start to feel fatigued and that’s when mistakes creep in and the quality of your work begins to slip. Instead, make sure to step away at regular intervals. If you’re in the office, why not go and chat to a colleague or make a cup of tea? You’ll soon feel revitalised and ready to get back to it.

Set achievable targets

Coming up with a revolutionary idea that will transform the business may not be realistic. Instead, set targets that you have more control over, such as writing a certain number of words or making a certain number of phone calls in a day. Then when you tick these off, you’ll feel a greater sense of satisfaction and be more motivated to move on to the next goal.

Verified by MonsterInsights