Britain''s bosses can profit by letting staff give their office a makeover

Creating an ideal colour environment enhances problem-solving skills by 10%
80% of office workers think colour affects their performance at work while 67% find their offices drab and dismal
Smart use of office colour can enhance performance, productivity and profits


Britain''s bosses should encourage staff to give their office a makeover as this can set their businesses on the path to success and profitability.

These are the findings of research into the effects of colour carried out for Canon by leading colour psychologist, Dr. David Lewis. The study, among employees at manager level in companies across the UK, showed that 80% of Britain''s office workers believe that the colour of their surroundings exerts a significant influence over their emotions and their performance at work.

And in laboratory tests using a specially designed colour booth where subjects were exposed to different coloured lights before carrying out mental agility tests, it was found that, when subjects were asked to tackle problems under their favourite coloured light, their problem-solving skills were enhanced by an average of 10%.

It is commonly acknowledged that, with pressures on Britain''s workforce ever increasing, and modern technology meaning that we are never truly away from the office, stress levels are going through the roof. Productivity levels are plummeting while working hours spiral upwards. But with 67% of office workers finding their work environments to be drab and dismal and a massive 98% finding modern hi-tech offices unappealing, it''s clear that bosses need to take steps to address the issue or risk losing out in today''s competitive business world. By encouraging employees to decorate their office surroundings in a way that appeals to their individual tastes, bosses can go some way to creating an ideal workforce.

Blue for brilliance, red for rage
The research showed that the colour blue topped the list as most likely to brighten people''s moods and make their brains work better. Exposure to red, on the other hand, increases tension and mental agitation (heart rates and blood pressure go up) making us prone to angry outbursts. Interestingly, although the tungsten lights used in many offices appear to produce white light, this is in fact a trick of the brain. The illumination they produce actually contains a great deal of red light meaning that just being the office could get our blood boiling.

Canon has long understood the importance and significance of colour and undertook the study to prove how the smart use of colour in the office (both in terms of environment and in using colour in office communications to positive effect) can positively impact on business performance. Scientific research now backs up Canon''s theories - that Britain''s bosses need to think about the environment that they provide for their employees. The right environment can result in happy and confident employees, increased productivity and, ultimately, greater business success.

Dr. David Lewis, comments on his findings; These are significant results - if translated into improved performance among office workers, it could add significantly to a company''s efficiency and productivity. Colour has long been known to influence our emotions and behaviour, but the Canon study is the first to explore exactly how and why these changes occur. It''s not that being surrounded by your favourite colour makes you brighter, but as the study shows, it puts you in a far more positive and relaxed state of mind.

Adam Poole, marketing manager for Canon UK, comments: The message is clear - colour has a huge role to play in office and everyday life. These tests show that the productivity of employees is directly affected by the environment in which they operate. By employing the principles of a smart approach to colour and encouraging workers to create their own ideal work environments, bosses can reap the rewards of a more positive workforce and importantly, improved productivity and profitability.

Canon corporate Kyosei philosophy founded on the idea of living and working together for the common good, means that it is constantly looking at ways to achieve best practice in office environments and a healthy work/life balance.