by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Have you looked around your office lately and noticed bare, boring walls that could use some sprucing up? What if you could transform those dull spaces into inspiring works of art that also boost employee morale and productivity? Believe it or not, adding murals to your workplace may be one of the simplest ways to create an uplifting environment and strengthen your company culture. You don't have to be an artist to tap into the power of art. With some creative thinking, you can come up with murals that reflect your brand, highlight company values, or simply bring more joy and meaning into the everyday. If you're looking for an affordable way to energize your team and make your office a place people actually want to be, murals could be the perfect solution. Read on to learn how to get started with a mural project that will transform your space and bring your people together.
The Benefits of Having Murals in the Workplace
Murals can boost morale in the workplace by making the environment more inspiring and uplifting. Studies show that employees who enjoy their workspace are more productive and engaged. Murals are an easy, affordable way to transform a drab office into an enjoyable place to work.
The Power of Art
There’s something about art that feeds the human spirit. Murals in particular have a way of fostering creativity, sparking imagination, and boosting mood and motivation. A mural with vibrant colors and an positive theme or message can lighten the mood and brighten the day of all who see it.
A Sense of Pride
A custom mural that reflects a company’s brand, values or mission gives employees a sense of purpose and pride in where they work. It demonstrates that the company cares about creating an enjoyable environment and experience for staff. This leads to greater loyalty, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.
Inspiration and Creativity
Art inspires creativity. A mural with an inspirational quote, vision or theme can spur new ideas, fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. This boost in creativity and problem-solving benefits both employees and the company as a whole. Inspiration from art is a gift that keeps on giving.
Reduced Stress and Improved Wellbeing
Public art like murals can have a calming, rejuvenating effect. Natural scenes in particular - featuring landscapes, greenery and open spaces - have been shown to lower stress and anxiety, decreasing detrimental health effects. A mural with a serene natural theme may improve wellbeing, focus and productivity.
In summary, murals are a win-win for any workplace. They create an uplifting environment, boost morale and motivation, foster pride and purpose, inspire creativity, and promote health and wellness. The benefits to both employees and companies are well worth the investment. What are you waiting for? Bring on the murals!
How Murals Boost Morale and Productivity
Murals do more than just brighten up a space - they can boost morale, inspire creativity, and increase productivity. Studies show that employees report higher job satisfaction when they find their workplace stimulating and esthetically pleasing.
The Power of Visual Art
Art has a way of uplifting our mood and sparking imagination. An eye-catching mural, especially one with vibrant colors, activates our senses and releases feel-good hormones like dopamine that energize us.
- Murals depicting natural scenes, like landscapes, beaches or gardens, can make employees feel more relaxed and help alleviate stress. Abstract murals or those with geometric patterns tend to stimulate creativity.
- Photography murals featuring employees actively engaged in their work or team-building activities strengthen company culture by highlighting shared experiences and values. They also motivate staff by recognizing their efforts and contributions.
Increased Focus and Collaboration
An esthetically interesting workspace leads to increased focus and collaboration. Studies show that employees make fewer errors, have improved problem-solving skills, and work better together in an inspiring environment.
- Murals give staff a focal point to glance at when they need a quick mental break. This helps rejuvenate the mind and makes it easier to refocus attention.
- Murals create opportunities for connection as employees gather to discuss and interpret the artwork. This can spark new ideas and strengthen workplace relationships.
With the power to inspire, motivate and bring people together, murals are a simple solution that pays off in the long run through a happier, more productive workforce. What better way to boost morale than with the gift of art?
Choosing the Right Murals for Your Office Environment
Choosing artwork that boosts morale and fits your company culture is key. Consider the overall tone and values of your organization when selecting murals.
Opt for Positive Messaging
Uplifting messages and images can lift spirits and inspire employees. Look for murals featuring optimism, teamwork, or humor. Avoid anything too controversial.
Reflect Company Values
If innovation is one of your core principles, choose a mural with an abstract, thought-provoking design. For a company focused on customer service, consider street art featuring people interacting. Aligning murals with company values helps reinforce them.
Include Natural Elements
Murals with natural themes like landscapes, greenery, or open skies tend to have a calming, rejuvenating effect. They can provide mental respite from work stresses. If your office lacks windows, nature-themed murals are especially impactful.
Consider Color Palette
The colors you choose significantly impact mood and energy level. Warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows energize and stimulate creativity. Cool blues and greens are more relaxing and calming. Choose a color palette that aligns with the atmosphere you want to create.
Feature Local Artists
Commissioning work from artists in your area supports the local arts community and leads to murals that reflect the culture and spirit of your city. Employees will also appreciate the connection to place. Look for artists with experience designing large-scale murals.
Leave Room for Personal Interpretation
Abstract murals or those with an element of mystery allow for personal interpretation and discussion. This gives employees an opportunity to connect over their different perspectives and interpretations, boosting workplace relationships and bonding.
Following these tips will help you find murals that motivate, inspire, and bring your team together. Place them in high-traffic areas where many employees will be exposed to their positive influence.
Where to Place Murals for Maximum Impact
Murals in the workplace can have a huge impact on morale and productivity. Where you place them matters. Think about high-traffic, highly visible areas where people frequently pass by or congregate.
Hallways and lobbies
Hallways and lobbies are ideal spots for murals. As people walk by, the artwork catches their eye and sparks interest. It gives them something enjoyable to look at, lifting their mood. Lobby murals especially make a great first impression on visitors and clients.
Break rooms
Place a mural in your break room or cafeteria. During breaks, employees can gaze at the art and find a mental respite from their work. Studies show that exposure to visual art decreases stress and negative emotions, increasing feelings of calm and joy. A mural with positive imagery or an uplifting message is perfect for a break room.
Stairwells
Murals on stairwell walls captivate people as they climb up and down the stairs. They make the mundane act of using the stairs more engaging and fun. Stairwell murals with vibrant colors and patterns are particularly eye-catching. They encourage people to take the stairs instead of elevators, which provides health benefits.
Meeting rooms
For meeting rooms, consider murals with inspirational quotes or images to spark creativity. The visual interest gives people something to ponder, which can lead to new ideas and solutions. Abstract murals tend to work well for this purpose. They trigger an emotional reaction without distracting from the discussion.
Murals are most impactful when placed in high-traffic and social areas of the workplace. They boost mood and motivation, reduce stress, and foster connection between employees. With strategic placement, murals can transform your office into an uplifting environment where people thrive and achieve their full potential.
Getting Employee Input on Mural Design and Themes
Getting input from your employees on the mural design and themes is key. After all, they will be the ones seeing and interacting with the art every day. Surveying staff or holding brainstorming sessions are great ways to generate ideas and gage interests.
Consider sending out an email survey asking:
- What colors do you find most uplifting or calming?
- What themes inspire or motivate you?
- Share some of your hobbies, passions or interests outside of work.
You might find nature scenes, travel destinations, music, sports or abstract shapes are popular choices. Compile the results to identify common threads and themes.
Meet with Teams
Meet with different teams or departments to discuss the survey feedback and hear additional thoughts. Some discussion points could be:
- How could a mural creatively reflect your team’s purpose or values?
- What imagery best symbolizes your work or industry?
- What would make you excited or proud to have on the wall?
Capture all ideas in a shared document for review and voting.
Vote on Final Designs
Based on the input, have a few mural designs created to share with staff. Explain the meaning and significance behind each option. Provide time for Q&A and feedback before conducting an anonymous vote. The winning design should resonate most positively with employees.
Getting buy-in through this collaborative process will make the end result even more impactful. Your team will feel a sense of ownership and connection to the art, boosting workplace morale every time they pass by. The mural becomes a symbolic reflection of your company culture and shared experiences between colleagues.
While the final decision is still up to leadership and the mural artist, valuing employee voices in this way creates goodwill and a positive experience - one that extends well beyond paint on a wall. The benefits to productivity, retention, recruitment and overall job satisfaction will make the investment in time and resources well worth it.
Commissioning a Professional Muralist vs DIY Murals
When considering commissioning a custom mural for your workplace, you have two options: hiring a professional muralist or doing it yourself. Both have their pros and cons, so weigh them carefully based on your needs, budget, and skills.
Professional Muralist
Bringing in an experienced muralist is a great way to get a high-quality, customized piece of art for your space. Muralists have the skills, tools, and experience to design and paint an eye-catching mural tailored to your vision. They can also work efficiently to get the job done on schedule. However, commissioning a muralist tends to be more expensive, often costing several thousand dollars for a large, complex piece. You’ll also have less control over the creative process and final design.
DIY Mural
If cost is a concern or you want more creative control, you might consider a DIY mural. Get your colleagues together for a team-building paint party and design something totally unique to your company culture. While a DIY mural can help build community and save money, the end result may appear amateurish if you lack artistic skill or experience. You’ll also need to invest a significant amount of time to plan, design, and paint the mural yourself.
In the end, weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully based on what will work best for your specific needs and situation. A professional muralist can create an high-quality work of art to boost workplace morale, while a DIY mural may help build community at the cost of time, money, and a polished final product. Think about what resources and skills you have available, how much control you want over the creative process, and your budget. Then make the choice that will result in an inspiring mural you and your colleagues will enjoy for years to come.
Types of Murals: Painted, Photographic, Vinyl Decals, Etc.
There are several types of murals you can incorporate in your workplace. The options range in cost, durability and style.
Painted Murals
A hand-painted mural is a traditional approach. An artist paints directly onto a wall using acrylic or latex paint. These tend to be more expensive but provide a custom, artistic look. The downside is that painted murals typically only last 3-5 years before needing touch ups.
Photographic Murals
For a photographic mural, an image is printed on vinyl, fabric or another material and then installed on a wall. These are often more affordable than hand-painted murals. Photographic murals can feature landscape scenes, abstract designs or enlargements of actual employee photographs. The material used impacts the longevity, with some vinyl and fabric options lasting up to 10 years.
Vinyl Decals
Vinyl decals or stickers are another simple, budget-friendly mural option. The vinyl material comes in a variety of prints, colors and patterns. Employees can even design custom decals. The decals are adhered directly to the wall and typically last around 2 to 5 years before needing replacement. They are easy to remove without damaging the wall.
Chalkboard or Whiteboard Murals
For a interactive mural option, consider a chalkboard or whiteboard mural. The entire wall is painted with chalkboard or whiteboard paint, allowing employees to constantly draw and write on the wall. These murals inspire creativity but require frequent cleaning to avoid a messy, cluttered look. The special paint may need re-application every few years.
Murals boost morale by creating an inspiring space, but also consider your budget, how long you want the mural to last and how much maintenance you’re willing to put into keeping it looking its best. The options are endless, so choose a style that reflects your company culture and brand.
Maintaining and Caring for Office Murals Over Time
Maintaining an office mural is important to keep morale high and the artwork looking its best. Over time, murals can fade, get dirty, or even incur damage. With some basic care and upkeep, you can make sure your mural withstands the test of time.
Cleaning
Gently wipe down the mural every few months with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dust or grime. For stuck-on messes, you can make a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Be very gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging the paint. Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or strong solvents like lacquer thinner, acetone or turpentine.
Protecting from damage
Place protective padding around the base of the mural in case of falls or impacts. You can also install a clear polyurethane or acrylic sealant over the mural which helps prevent staining and scratching while still allowing the colors to shine through. Re-apply the sealant every 2-3 years to maintain protection.
Touch-ups and repairs
Check the mural regularly for any chips, cracks, or fading and perform touch-ups as needed with matching paint. For larger damage, you may need to hire the original artist to properly repair and restore the work. Be very careful when doing any touch-ups yourself to match the color, brushstroke, and style. Even small mismatches can be quite noticeable and detract from the overall look.
Preventing fading
ultraviolet (UV) light and humidity can both cause murals to fade over time. Place UV-protective film or UV-resistant sealant over windows near the mural. Controlling indoor humidity with a dehumidifier can also help. Where possible, choose a mural location away from direct sunlight.
With regular cleaning, maintenance, and protection from environmental factors, an office mural can remain bright and impactful for many years. Take the time to establish a routine to properly care for your mural and boost workplace morale and culture for the long run.
Murals in the Workplace FAQ: Answering Common Questions
Many companies have questions about adding murals to their workspaces. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
Will murals negatively impact productivity?
Quite the opposite. Studies show that art in the workplace can boost creativity, decrease stress, and increase job satisfaction—all of which enhance productivity. Murals give employees an mental break and inspiration.
How much do murals cost?
Murals can range greatly in price depending on factors like the artist, size, and complexity. Many artists will provide a free consultation to evaluate the space and determine an estimate. To save money, consider hiring a local artist or using reclaimed materials. Crowdfunding the mural within your company is also an option.
What styles of murals are options?
There are endless styles of murals to match your company culture. Some options include:
- Geometric or abstract designs using shapes and colors
- Nature-themed incorporating plants, landscapes or animals
- Fun or whimsical styles with bright colors or cartoon elements
- Photo-realistic scenes from your local area or industry
- Corporate logo or branding to reinforce your image
How long do murals last?
With proper care and maintenance, murals can last many years. Key factors include:
- Using high-quality, exterior grade paints and sealants specifically designed for murals. These resist fading and protect from weather.
- Applying a clear topcoat sealant over the finished mural. Reapply every few years.
- Choosing a wall with limited direct sun exposure. Murals in shaded or indirect light last longer.
- Performing regular inspections and touch-ups as needed. Minor damage can often be repaired by the original artist.
- Considering a mural that incorporates your company logo or message in a timeless way. These have a longer lifespan than trendy or dated styles.
Who maintains the mural?
Typically, the company that commissions the mural is responsible for ongoing maintenance. However, many muralists will offer maintenance packages to inspect, clean, seal, and repair the mural for a fee. Some tips for proper mural care include:
Final Thoughts
So there you have it - murals in the workplace aren't just decorative, they have real power. When you surround yourself and your team with inspirational messages and images, it creates an environment primed for creativity, collaboration, and high morale. The next time you walk into your office, take a look around. What do the walls say about your company culture? If they're bare, blank, or boring, it may be time for an art intervention. Get your team involved and create something that reflects your shared values and vision. You'll likely find that the mural is more than something nice to look at - it's a daily reminder of why you do what you do and who you do it with. And that can make all the difference.