03 November 2022

ESTEL_ITALY: HOW OFFICE DESIGN CAN MAKE US HAPPIER (AND MORE PRODUCTIVE)

All of us have experienced at least once in our life how places affect our mood. Such subjective experiences are supported by solid scientific foundations. Indeed, extensive research has shown that shapes, colors and materials can contribute to generate positive emotions and a sense of well-being.

These are elements to consider when designing a workplace. Mood and well-being, in fact, also influence the quality of work. These are topics to which companies are paying increasing attention, especially amidst the current Covid-19 pandemic, and which are in line with our idea of Italian Smart Office, from the design of individual elements to the organization of spaces.
HAPPINESS AND PRODUCTIVITY
The correlation between mood and work performance is scientifically proven. A research team from Warwick University has quantified that happy people are 12% more productive than their morose colleagues. Low levels of happiness, on the other hand, are systematically associated with lower returns. But that’s not the only advantage. A work context that generates positive emotions also improves workers’ engagement and loyalty, with obvious benefits for organizations.
DESIGN AND EMOTIONS
How can design help engender positive emotions? Here are some elements to consider when designing a large open space such as a home office.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CURVES
Many experiments have shown how people instinctively associate positive emotions with curved lines. The reason is neuropsychological. Indeed, looking at corners involves a greater activation of the amygdala: a region of the brain related to emotions such as fear and anxiety. Therefore, even in the design of a workplace, it is good to opt for rounded objects and configurations to help generate a sense of well-being in people.
THE INFLUENCE OF COLOR
The colors of an environment influence our perceptions. Comparative studies support this conclusion, which can also be useful to companies in the design of a work environment that positively affects people’s emotional state.
● Blue is one of the colors generally most liked by people. It conveys the idea of safety and reliability.
● Red conveys strength and stimulates attention, though it has also been related to a reduction in analytical thinking.
● Yellow too is an energizing color, which leads us to focusing on the outside. It is more suitable for cafeterias/break areas, as it stimulates the appetite.
● But one color stands above all: green Studies on color psychology show that green relaxes and promotes physical and psychological well-being.
But it deserves special consideration also because it is the color of plants. Research has found that in the presence of vegetation it is possible to work better and with greater precision, thus yielding results of superior quality. The positive influence of plants (whether live or otherwise) is manifested in particular in mental storage capacity, which improves up to 20%.

For more information contact Marketing Department:
ESTEL GROUP Srl
Via Santa Rosa 70
I-36016 THIENE, Vicenza / Italy
Tel. +39 0445 389611
Fax +39 0445 808824
E-mail:comunicazione@estel.com