Framed prints of London. Office wall art and the link to wellbeing

Health and wellness have become central mainstays in contemporary office culture discussions. As organisations define their new normal and adapt to changing expectations, employee wellbeing must remain a top priority.

Any type of art can enhance your mental health because it can lower stress, boost happiness, promote social relationships, and aid in self-discovery. It’s no secret that chronic stress harms both our physical and mental wellbeing, and being around thoughtfully chosen art is an effective way to relieve that pressure. Numerous studies have demonstrated that spending time in a workspace or living area with well-selected art on the walls can measurably reduce stress levels. The best part is that enjoying the benefits doesn’t require any artistic training or special knowledge.

“People spend most of their lives at work and being in an office can become very routine, but if there is interactive art around the place it offers an ongoing sense of intrigue and engagement,” says Knight from Exeter University. Adding pieces that invite touch, movement or participation breaks the monotony, encourages curiosity and conversation, and helps transform a plain workspace into a more stimulating, thoughtful environment.

Research by Exeter University’s School of Psychology found that employees who enjoy the design and layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier — they’re also up to 32% more productive. The research involved more than 2,000 office workers across a series of studies examining attitudes toward, and actual productivity within, their working environment.