
Understanding Office Colour Psychology and Its Impact on Productivity
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The Psychology of Colour and Its Impact on Workplace Productivity
Colours are an inevitable part of our everyday lives. No matter where we go or what we do, colour is embedded in everything we see. We simply can’t separate it from our visual experiences.
Isn’t it fascinating that the phrase “feeling blue”—which we associate with sadness—originated from a maritime tradition where ships would fly blue flags when a captain or officer passed away during a voyage? Perhaps that’s why Sadness from Inside Out is coloured blue.
But colour isn’t just something we see—it’s also a powerful communication tool that influences our subconscious. Think about how certain colours are used in everyday situations: road signs warning us of danger are painted in blood red, while yellow conveys happiness, excitement, and enthusiasm.
No wonder McDonald’s is so good at grabbing our attention! Even from miles away, those golden arches against the bright daylight call us to give in to the temptation of our favourite fries and burgers.
When designing an office, it’s not just about structure, ergonomics, and layout. The colours we choose can significantly impact employees’ overall well-being, which, in turn, affects their productivity.
Colour is so important that even the renowned artist Pablo Picasso once said, “Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” So, let’s take a deep dive into colour psychology and how it can influence our workplace.
Understanding Colour Psychology
Colour psychology helps us understand how different colours trigger emotions, moods, and reactions. Broadly speaking, colours are divided into:
Warm shades (orange, red, yellow) – Associated with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm.
Cool shades (blue, green, purple) – Linked to calmness, relaxation, and stability.
Once you understand the basics of colour psychology, you can create a work environment that enhances productivity, creativity, and well-being—whether in a corporate office or a home workspace.
However, colour perception isn’t universal. Cultural influences and local laws sometimes dictate how colours should be used. For instance, in Kyoto, Japan, bright colours are prohibited in architecture. Everything in the city follows a muted colour palette—even global brands like Starbucks and Lawson have had to adjust their logos to comply with city regulations.
Ultimately, choosing the right colours for your office depends on the atmosphere you want to create. You wouldn’t paint a napping or quiet room bright yellow, just as you wouldn’t make a brainstorming space dull and uninspiring. By understanding colour psychology, you can design a workspace that encourages productivity, focus, and positivity.
How Different Colours Impact Workplace Productivity
Orange
It’s considered a social colour that enhances communication, collaboration, and teamwork in the office. In chromotherapy, orange is believed to ignite enthusiasm and passion while stimulating creativity.
-It helps maintain motivation among employees, especially during high-stress periods when deadlines are tight.
-Since orange is commonly used in fast-food branding to stimulate appetite and urgency, excessive use in the office can feel overwhelming and may lead to frustration.
-To avoid overstimulation, it’s best used as an accent colour—through statement pieces, decor, or feature walls—rather than as a dominant shade.
Red
Red is widely associated with passion, energy, and urgency—which is why it’s commonly seen in hospital logos and emergency signs. It is known to stimulate the senses, increase heart rate, and boost alertness.
-As red fuels ambition, drive, and a hunger for success, it is best suited for boardrooms and executive meeting spaces, where high-stakes decisions are made.
-In the healthcare industry, red is used in corridors and hallways to stimulate circulation and warmth, creating a sense of security and alertness.
-Since red can increase heart rate and blood pressure, it’s best incorporated in small doses—through wall art, desk accessories, or lighting fixtures—to add energy without overwhelming the space.
Yellow
Yellow is the ultimate feel-good colour, perfectly represented by the character Joy in Inside Out. It exudes a bright, sunny disposition, creating a sense of positivity, warmth, and possibility—as if everything is just right and full of potential.
-Since yellow works harmoniously with natural daylight, softer tones—like buttery yellow—can blend seamlessly into office spaces without overpowering the overall atmosphere.
-Different shades of yellow can be incorporated, but high-intensity yellows (such as those seen on highway signs) should be used minimally.
-To avoid causing anxiety or overstimulation, it’s best to stick to muted, calming shades of yellow. Ideal for meeting rooms, communal areas, and workstations, as long as it doesn’t dominate individual workspaces.
Blue
Blue is the colour of trust, dependability, and strength, which is likely why many government offices and corporate brands incorporate it into their logos. Known as the calmest of all colours, blue promotes concentration, clarity, and deep focus, making it an excellent choice for productivity-driven environments.
-Incorporating blue accents in meeting areas and brainstorming rooms can foster open communication and collaboration.
-Research zones, such as libraries in law offices or document repositories, benefit from blue’s calming and focused atmosphere.
-However, overusing dark blue can evoke feelings of sadness, while light blue may feel cold or uninviting. A balanced mix of different shades can help create a harmonious and productive workspace.
Green
Green, the colour of nature, is often associated with the outdoors, tranquillity, and balance, providing a sense of peace and relaxation. Ideal for offices with extended working hours, it helps reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.
Incorporating green walls, lighting fixtures, wall art, or décor can create a calm and refreshing environment, helping employees manage high-stress workloads. As a soothing and non-disruptive colour, green promotes focus and well-being without causing visual discomfort.
-Utilise the principles of biophilia by incorporating potted plants, wall greenery, or low-maintenance succulents on desks to promote calmness, clarity, and peace.
-A dash of green can evoke nostalgia for summertime, nature, and the outdoors, creating a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
-Incorporating green in reception areas can make the space feel welcoming and soothing, helping to ease tension for visitors and job applicants preparing for important interviews.
Purple
Traditionally associated with royalty, power, and wisdom, purple was once an expensive pigment to source, which is why it is rarely seen in centuries-old paintings. In modern office design, purple can create a peaceful and nurturing environment, fostering creativity, inspiration, and continuous growth.
-Incorporating lavender shades in cafeterias and sleeping rooms creates a relaxing environment, similar to how the spa industry uses it in wellness centres.
-Darker purple should be used minimally, as, like blue, it can sometimes be associated with sadness or melancholy.
-Due to its versatility, purple pairs well with other colours, helping to create a balanced and visually appealing office environment.
The Benefits of Applying Colour Psychology in the Workplace
Understanding the basics of colour psychology can significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and employee well-being. The pandemic has changed the way we work—blurring the lines between home and office life. Now, as many employees return to physical workplaces, it’s important to create an environment that feels engaging and inspiring, rather than sterile and draining.
We’re also seeing a shift with Gen Z entering the workforce. This generation values a well-designed, experience-driven workplace—something Australian employers need to consider to avoid issues like “coffee badging” (showing up to work just to be seen) and “quiet quitting” (doing the bare minimum just to get by).
While trends like Pantone’s Colour of the Year are interesting, businesses don’t need to follow them blindly. Instead, focus on choosing colours from ROYGBV that suit your employees, work culture, and overall brand identity. The right colours can create a work environment that enhances productivity, well-being, and ultimately, business success.