How can you use color theory to improve employee well-being in the workplace?

In the workplace, incorporating color theory can positively impact employee well-being. Use calming colors like blues and greens for a relaxed atmosphere, while energizing colors like yellows and oranges can enhance creativity and focus. Striking a balance based on the nature of the work and the desired mood can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.

Color is a powerful communication tool and can influence mood and impact performance. But exposure to color can also have a physical impact on us. Certain colors have been associated with increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain. Color can have symbolic meaning in various cultures, but the way color impacts us tends to be universal. Jarring or clashing colors that neurotypical people may overlook can deeply disturb others with heightened sensitivity. The use of colors found in nature or warm neutral colors are preferred for improving comfort and job performance. Color may be used as a tool to assist in navigating a space.

I'd also consider the effects of the use of color combinations on the mind: high contrast and complementary color pairs such as blue-yellow, red-green, etc. cause a disturbing feeling in most observers. Another layer of the use of colors is the cultural layer which differs between geographies and subcultures. For example the shades of brown exude calm and comfort in most regions, in India it is often associated with mourning or loss. Another example is red, which is associated with love and vitality across the majority of cultures, but in some Middle-Eastern cultures it's associated with evil and danger. Always research your target groups before applying colors to workspace design.

Color effects us on a subconscious level - which is to say that color choices will have an impact even if that was not your intent. As a result, careful consideration should go into aligning the colors in a space to the purpose of the space.

Another major influence on the perception of colours are the lights that interact with them. If the space does not have enough natural light flow, then artificial substitute in the day light equivalent temperatures can act effectively. It is necessary to understand the light and shadow play within the space while considering colours as well. Having a dark themed office with considerably small size and very minimal natural light will set a very gloomy atmosphere thus affecting the productivity.

In countries with seasons, the light conditions vary across the year, so that has to be accounted for. If you have foliage outside your windows, that colour can reflect into the space, blending with the colours. Also the light coming in from south facing windows is much warmer in tone, while the light from north facing windows are colder in tone (in the northern hemisphere), so always check the colours in the room where you would like to add it. A colour could look very different in rooms with different conditions.