article The Hidden Benefits of
Art in the Workplace
The Hidden Benefits of
Art in the Workplace
Viewing original artworks produces measurable effects on our health and wellbeing,
but what does this mean inside the workplace? Artiq Art Consultant William Hebbes
believes the answer is both practical and measurable.
but what does this mean inside the workplace? Artiq Art Consultant William Hebbes
believes the answer is both practical and measurable.
Viewing original artworks produces measurable effects on our health and wellbeing,
but what does this mean inside the workplace? Artiq Art Consultant William Hebbes
believes the answer is both practical and measurable.
CFC Underwriting
A recent study by King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience found that viewing original artworks produces measurable physiological and psychological effects. While this reinforces art’s cultural value, it also prompts a more commercial question: what do these benefits mean inside the workplace?
I started my career in financial services, discussing market trends and currency rates, but just over a year ago I moved to Artiq to explore how art can transform corporate workspaces. While the levers have changed, the objective remains the same - identifying investments that deliver measurable workplace impact.
I started my career in financial services, discussing market trends and currency rates, but just over a year ago I moved to Artiq to explore how art can transform corporate workspaces. While the levers have changed, the objective remains the same - identifying investments that deliver measurable workplace impact.
Convene, Sancroft
Art is often dismissed as mere aesthetics, but scientific studies prove it drives real results for the people who encounter it. When we treat art as a strategic investment rather than an amenity, the returns include:
Heightened productivity:
A University of Exeter study showed a 32% productivity increase when staff had access to office artwork, with 78% reporting better wellbeing and 94% feeling greater belonging –a meaningful signal for long-term engagement and talent retention.
Greater efficiency:
Dr Craig Knight's Identity Realisation research found that employees work 15% faster in spaces with art and plants. This figure doubles to 30% when staff feel a sense of ownership over the selection.
Improved well being and stress mitigation:
Beyond speed, art influences mental clarity. Referencing Wallace J. Nichols' "Blue Mind" research, architect and artist Jason Burgess recently noted that specific imagery, like waterfall motifs, create a meditative calm that reduces stress and enhances focus. This supports King’s findings that original artwork can lower stress levels and blood pressure.
Heightened productivity:
A University of Exeter study showed a 32% productivity increase when staff had access to office artwork, with 78% reporting better wellbeing and 94% feeling greater belonging –a meaningful signal for long-term engagement and talent retention.
Greater efficiency:
Dr Craig Knight's Identity Realisation research found that employees work 15% faster in spaces with art and plants. This figure doubles to 30% when staff feel a sense of ownership over the selection.
Improved well being and stress mitigation:
Beyond speed, art influences mental clarity. Referencing Wallace J. Nichols' "Blue Mind" research, architect and artist Jason Burgess recently noted that specific imagery, like waterfall motifs, create a meditative calm that reduces stress and enhances focus. This supports King’s findings that original artwork can lower stress levels and blood pressure.
Circle
At Artiq we've seen these effects firsthand. From Evgeniya Strygina’s soothing landscapes to Ilyas Kassam’s energetic markmaking, artworks do more than enhance interiors - they define your brand and shape organisational culture on a wider scale.
In a world chasing marginal gains, the evidence is clear: art isn't optional decoration. It's a necessity for tangible results in productivity, wellbeing, and performance. Whether through personable murals, life drawing classes, or rotating collections, Art builds productive, engaging workspaces that employees want to return to.
William Hebbes, Art Consultant
1. Tony Woods & Courtney Worrell et al. (2025) The positive impact of art on the body, King’s College London research
2. Knight & Haslam (2010) The relative merits of lean, enriched, and empowered offices: An experimental examination of the impact of workspace management strategies on well‑being and productivity, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied
3. Rebecca Tanqueray, Alex Heath & Joanna Digby (2012) Making Art Work in the Workplace, International Art Consultants in partnership with the British Council for Offices
4. Wallace J. Nichols (2014) Blue Mind: The surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do, Little, Brown and Company
Learn more about our creative services and get in touch with our team to talk about your ideas.
In a world chasing marginal gains, the evidence is clear: art isn't optional decoration. It's a necessity for tangible results in productivity, wellbeing, and performance. Whether through personable murals, life drawing classes, or rotating collections, Art builds productive, engaging workspaces that employees want to return to.
William Hebbes, Art Consultant
1. Tony Woods & Courtney Worrell et al. (2025) The positive impact of art on the body, King’s College London research
2. Knight & Haslam (2010) The relative merits of lean, enriched, and empowered offices: An experimental examination of the impact of workspace management strategies on well‑being and productivity, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied
3. Rebecca Tanqueray, Alex Heath & Joanna Digby (2012) Making Art Work in the Workplace, International Art Consultants in partnership with the British Council for Offices
4. Wallace J. Nichols (2014) Blue Mind: The surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do, Little, Brown and Company
Learn more about our creative services and get in touch with our team to talk about your ideas.