From Grey to Great: Create a Workspace that Inspires Your People

Photo by Tony Bowden on Flickr

“When colors came out everywhere, a mood of change started transforming the spirit of the people..." - Edi Rama

This is Tirana, Albania.

When Edi Rama took over as mayor of the capital city in 2000, it was known for it's crime and corruption. People were afraid to go out. They had bars on their windows. The city was dirty.

With no money in the budget, Rama looked to his previous passion before becoming a politician - art.

He ordered the drab buildings to be painted in bright colours and bold designs.

And this simple change brought new life and energy to the city.

The colours made people feel safe. They started going out to stores and restaurants again. They took the bars off their windows.

It also made them feel proud. They cleaned up the streets and littered less. They started to pay their taxes. Crime fell.

In 2004, Rama won the World Mayor award.

Don't underestimate the impact surroundings can have on people's moods and feelings and how those feelings can then influence their actions, including employee engagement and motivation in the workplace.

A well-designed and supportive workspace doesn't just look good in social media posts, it contributes to a positive atmosphere that fosters productivity, innovation, and overall job satisfaction.

And yet, many of our workspaces are shades of beige, grey or white with florescent lighting, and perhaps a motivational picture or two.

Like Edi Rama, you can make small changes to energize your workspace and positively influence the behaviour and actions of your team.

Add Colour: Thoughtful use of colors can influence mood and productivity. For example, warm colors like orange and yellow can evoke feelings of energy and positivity, while cool colors like blue and green can create a calm and focused atmosphere.

Make it Clean and Organized: A cluttered space can stimulate the production of cortisol and increase anxiety. A tidy and organized workspace can have a positive impact on mental clarity and focus. It creates a professional atmosphere and reduces distractions, allowing your team to concentrate on their work more effectively.

Let there be (Natural) Light: Access to natural light and proper ventilation can significantly improve the overall mood and well-being of employees. Exposure to natural light has been linked to better sleep patterns, increased energy levels, and improved mood, all of which contribute to higher motivation and engagement.

Bring in the Outside: Integrating greenery, plants, or other natural elements in the workplace can enhance the overall aesthetic and create a calming atmosphere. Research suggests that exposure to nature, even in indoor settings, can reduce stress and increase overall well-being. Plants generate positive emotions like calmness, joy, and creativity.

Involving your people in the process and allowing them to personalize their individual workspaces can create a sense of ownership and pride. When employees feel that their input is valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

Be sure to consider all areas of the workplace - individual workspaces, meeting rooms, break rooms, and bathrooms. By creating a supportive, comfortable, and inspiring atmosphere, you show people you care about them and their well-being. And when people feel cared for, they care in return.