"My office looks kind of boring..."
Have you ever felt that way? Even if the office has all the necessary functions to carry out your work, it still feels lonely. If the office you spend your days in is bleak, it can make you feel depressed. It is said that the atmosphere of the office has a big impact on the mood and work performance of workers.
At times like these, you may want to consider introducing some art into your office.
Even when it comes to art, many people probably don't really associate it with the office. In this column, we will explain in detail the current state of the Japanese office environment with regard to art and Advantage of introducing art. We hope you will find this useful when creating your company's office!
Art is a part of Western office culture
When you visit a Western office, you might feel like you've wandered into a museum.
The walls are decorated with colorful paintings, the corridors are lined with sculptures, and sometimes installation art is used to liven up the space. However, these pieces of art are not just there for decoration.
Western companies believe that art is an important factor in stimulating workers' creativity and generating new ideas.
We also use it as a way to foster a sense of attachment to the office among the people who work there.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the idea that the office is just a place to concentrate on work is still deeply rooted, and the reality is that many companies have never even considered introducing art into the office.
Why are Japanese companies hesitant to embrace art?
Why are there so many Japanese companies reluctant to introduce art into their offices? The following are some of the reasons for this:
The idea that the office is a place to get work done is well established
In Japan, the general idea of an office is that it is a place where work can be done efficiently. When creating a space that pursues work efficiency, it is not something that one would think of introducing art into.
Furthermore, Japanese companies still have a deeply rooted culture of aversion to change.
Even if you don't introduce art, it won't cause any major disruption to your daily work. You can also think, "I haven't displayed art in the past, and I don't think there's any need to do so in the future."
Cost-effectiveness is unclear
"When I hang art, does that mean I have to buy paintings or rent them? How much does that cost?"
That's probably the first thing that comes to mind. It's no wonder that art is associated with high prices. And it's true that installing artwork in your office will cost you a certain amount of money.
Also, even if people say that "employee motivation will increase" or "employee will become more creative," to be honest, many companies are hesitant to make the investment because they cannot see the visible results in numbers.
Art itself has not taken root
"By art, do you mean the kind of things you see displayed in museums? To be honest, I don't really understand it, and does it have anything to do with business?"
There are probably many people who think this way.
In Japan, art is often seen as something only a select few can enjoy, or something highbrow. This is why it can be hard to imagine how it can be used in business.
Introducing art into your office can change it all! What are the effects?
For these reasons, art in Japanese offices is still not widespread.
However, in recent years, as globalization progresses, Japanese companies are gradually beginning to realize the importance of art. Let's take a closer look at the effects and Advantage of incorporating art into the office.
Improving workers' sensibility and aesthetic sense
First of all, introducing art into the office enhances workers' sensibilities and aesthetic sense.
When you work in an office, where you spend a lot of time every day, surrounded by wonderful works of art, your attention naturally turns to things like color combinations and the beauty of shapes.
workers with rich sensibility will be able to produce sophisticated and high-quality ideas in their work.
Increased creativity and productivity
An office space that incorporates art also has the effect of increasing creativity and productivity.
It is said that being exposed to art on a daily basis gives you new perspectives and ideas, leading to innovative thinking.
We live in an age where business people are also expected to have creative ideas. Artists create works that are unique and unconventional. By coming into contact with the essence of art, you can gain hints for finding new meaning and value in business.
The effect of corporate branding
Introducing art into the office can improve a company's image and lead to branding strategies. By expressing a company's personality and philosophy through artwork, it can effectively send a message both inside and outside the company.
For example, if you choose modern art, you can build an innovative and cutting-edge corporate image. On the other hand, if you choose a classic piece of art, you can appeal to tradition and reliability. The big Advantage is that you can freely embody the image that you want to convey by choosing the art.
Furthermore, a proactive approach to incorporating art demonstrates a company's sensitivity and willingness to invest in its human resources. This type of corporate culture is likely to be an attractive force in attracting talented personnel.
Leading to workers happiness
Recently, the concept of "well-being management," which places emphasis on the mental and physical health and happiness of workers has been attracting attention in corporate management.
Well-being does not simply mean the absence of illness, but rather a state of being healthy both physically and mentally, and feeling fulfilled both at work and in one's personal life.
Art can play a major role in achieving this well-being.
For example, paintings and photographs with a nature theme can have a relaxing effect and create a soothing environment, while artworks that incorporate color psychology can lift workers' moods and elicit positive energy.
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In this way, introducing art into the office will enhance the sensitivity and creativity of workers there, ultimately having a positive impact on the company.
It is also effective for corporate branding and talent acquisition. Furthermore, from the perspective of well-being management, art plays an important role in improving the mental and physical health and happiness of workers.
Incorporating art into the office is of great significance in creating the new value that will be required in future businesses.
Leave the introduction of art to your office to ITOKI.
イトーキは、「アートプレイス株式会社」と協業し、オフィスや公共空間へのアート導入をご支援しています。
Art Place Co., Ltd. has a corporate philosophy of "making every space creative," and aims to "create spaces that allow people to maximize their creativity" and "create spaces that provide intellectual and emotional stimulation to the office environment and relieve psychological stress." The company is working to incorporate art into all kinds of spaces across Japan with an unprecedented approach.
Itoki, which designs and provides office space, promotes the creation of an environment that generates flexible ideas through synergy with Art Place, and supports the creation of comfortable working environments.
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Art Place Inc.
