Is the psychology of color a fru-fru theory? Perhaps. We like to think that it matters because we experience first-hand how outdated office environments affect employee motivation. It’s hard to motivate a staff of workers while we’re sitting in a poorly lit conference room, unkept paneling from 1970 and a yellowing popcorn ceiling. Gross.
Can you relate?
I tried to work in a dark, dingy room once, but the old yellow fluorescent lights hanging overhead were littered with 25 year old moth carcasses. It’s hard to make cold calls all day, telling customers about our innovative technology firm, when I’m thinking about buying lightbulbs for the office.”
“I went to the Dr the other day when I couldn’t shake this annoying head cold. I swear that I started to feel sicker when I had to wait in the faded, stained orange-red chair in the doctor’s office lobby. I finally buried my head in some 2-year old fitness magazine to keep from watching the brown, felted fleur de lis wallpaper peeling off the walls.”
But, is there really merit to the Psychology of Color?
If the psychology of color is voodoo, then why do global organizations like the BBC spend ~$1.8 million on a new logo? And why do institutions like University of Rochester in New York invest in studies about how the color red “keeps us from performing our best on tests” when red is also considered a “power color?”
The colors that you choose for your identity – and your office environment – may be saying something different about your brand than you want it to. And, they may be subconsciously attracting or eliciting a different performance level in the workplace. That’s worth a ponder, especially if you’re investing in auxiliary performance improvement tools or tactics.
How does this apply to you?
Well, there’s a chance that this means nothing to you. And if not, please check out the article on the origins of “Felt”. It’s a fascinating read.
On the other hand, maybe it’s not an issue that you’re aware of… right now. But, before you start painting the red accent wall in your 6th grade class room or company lounge room, we have some suggestions.
Here are 3 tips for investigating how the psychology of color is impacting your workplace:
- Look for patterns in your employee breaks. Are they migrating to a specific place – maybe one that is better lit or a different color?
- Look for trends in worker performance consistency. Do your heads-down staff performing consistently at or above expectations have a different environment than those who are underperforming?
- Take a poll about common areas like conference rooms. Are they inviting or do they need a refresh?
As we’ve discussed color, lighting are potential contributors, among many other things. If workplace motivation is a priority for you, regardless of the cause, let’s discuss how to make it better. We won’t wear red felted sweaters, I promise.
