Article

Artworks at work: The impacts of workplace art

Authors:
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the author.

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the impact that employees and board members of an organization believe the art in their workplace has on their experience at work and identify the exhibition’s features salient to their experience of the art. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 affiliates of an Australian organization with an institutional art collection. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis by two researchers, with a final inter-rater reliability of 0.96. Findings – The results showed that respondents believe there are five main ways they are impacted by the art in their workplace: the art promotes social interactions, elicits emotional responses, facilitates personal connection-making, generally enhances the workplace environment and fosters learning. Participants indicated the salient features of the collection are its changing nature, creativity, diversity, quality and connection to the organization’s mission. Practical implications – The findings suggest that there may be a number of positive impacts on employees and other affiliates when art is present in the workplace, including interpersonal learning and mission-related content learning. The findings suggest that art connected to the organization’s mission, rotating exhibitions and diverse collections are valued by workplace viewers. Originality/value – The study highlights the importance of the aesthetic environment in the workplace and is one of the first to examine artworks in the work setting.

No full-text available

Request Full-text Paper PDF

To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.

... When provided in hospital settings, immersive stimuli like concerts, recorded music, or audio poetry can help re-duce anxiety and depression among patients while promoting hope [67,68]; it is worth mentioning that designing the setting aesthetically can make a difference also for workplace innovation [69], having an impact both on patients and healthcare professionals, such as the beauty of therapeutic gardens [1] and painted hospitals [6,8]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Objective To understand whether art and technology (mainly conversational agents) may help oncology patients to experience a more humanized journey. Methods This narrative review encompasses a comprehensive examination of the existing literature in this field by a multicenter, multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional team aiming to analyze the current developments and potential future directions of using art and technology for patient engagement. Results We identified three major themes of patient engagement with art and three major themes of patient engagement with technologies. Two real-case scenarios are reported from our experience to practically envision how findings from the literature can be implemented in different contexts. Conclusion Art therapy and technologies can be ancillary supports for healthcare professionals but are not substitutive of their expertise and responsibilities. Such tools may help to convey a more empathetic and uplifting patient journey if properly integrated within clinical practice, whereby the humanistic touch of medicine remains pivotal.
... Integrating artistic elements and experiences in professional settings goes beyond mere esthetics; it serves as a dynamic driver for stimulating creativity and improving the well-being of employees (Italia et al., 2008;Ivanaj et al., 2018). Workplace esthetics thus becomes a competitive tool in the hands of the organization in order to, through daily esthetic experiences, not only promote the well-being of workers already engaged in the company (e.g., Bodin Danielsson & Theorell, 2019; Rashid & Zimring, 2008;Scrima et al., 2021;Smiraglia, 2014;Vilnai-Yavetz et al., 2005), but also to retain them internally by developing a sense of organizational commitment (De Groot, 2014;González-Suhr et al., 2019) and attract new ones (Maier et al., 2022;Ronda & de Gracia, 2022). The majority of this research, however, refers to workers' evaluations of the "beauty" and "pleasantness" of the work environment and its spatial and ergonomic conformation. ...
Article
For a long time, care environments have been characterized as "inhuman," with their place meaning linked to illness and suffering. This study aims to analyze the shift in the meaning of the hospital space, investigating the impact of a permanent art gallery in a hospital's Gynecology Department on employees' well-being. Employing a quasi-experimental design, a final sample of 116 hospital employees (81 in the control group and 74 in the experimental group) completed self-report measures before and after the installation. Three self-report measurements were conducted at approximately 45-day intervals. The intervention resulted in an immediate increase in aesthetic experience, confirming an emotional involvement. Additionally, the art gallery demonstrated delayed positive effects on restorativeness after 45 days, positively affecting affective commitment and work engagement. These findings highlight the potential of art interventions in healthcare settings to enhance employees' well-being, suggesting implications for organizational design and employee satisfaction.
... However, when options for physical access to the outdoor landscape are not available, the presence of windows with urban or natural views can be a valuable substitute (Leather et al., 1998;Shin, 2007). When no physical or visual access is possible, providing indoor plants or landscape images can create some measure of improvement in the restorative qualities of break areas (Dravigne et al., 2008;Smiraglia, 2014). The results showed that physical access to the outdoors was perceived to add significantly more restorative value (Set 1 = 7.81, Set 2 = 8.12) when compared to window views (Set 1 = 5.90, Set 2 = 6.49). ...
Article
Contact with nature has been found to produce multiple health benefits in diverse work environments. However, in healthcare workplaces, few studies have addressed this topic, and no studies were found comparing the restorative qualities of visual vs. physical access to the outdoors. This study used visual simulation methods to assess the restorative potential of specific design features in hospital staff break areas, investigating nature-related indoor decor, daylight, window views, and direct access to outdoor environments. The study hypothesized that staff would perceive break areas with higher levels of nature-based content as being more restorative, and that direct outdoor access would be rated as more restorative than window views. Two sets of visual assessments were developed and distributed as part of an online survey to members of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses in the United States; 958 completed responses were collected and analyzed. On a scale of 1–10, nurses evaluated the restorative qualities of (a) direct access to the outdoors through a balcony, (b) an outdoor view through a window, (c) a nature artwork, and (d) an indoor plant, all depicted on images of the same two staff break areas. Statistical analyses showed that ratings increased significantly based on higher levels of nature content, from no added amenities, to indoor plants, to nature artwork, to window views, to direct access to the outdoors through a balcony. This study supports the proposition that higher levels of access to nature, daylight, and outdoor environments are perceived to have significantly more restorative potential in healthcare workplaces.
Chapter
Dieses Kapitel befasst sich mit der somatischen Erfahrung von Arbeit. Wir erörtern, wie und warum Kommunikatoren bei der Neugestaltung von Arbeitsplätzen eine viel stärkere Rolle spielen können. Wir befassen uns mit der Forschung zu Umweltaspekten des Bürolebens, einschließlich natürlichem Licht, Grünpflanzen und Kunstwerken. Wir untersuchen auch Interozeption und Propriozeption und die Bedeutung von Bewegung.
Chapter
This chapter explores the somatic experience of work. We discuss how and why communicators can play a much more powerful role in workplace redesign strategy. We consider research into the environmental aspects of office life, including natural light, green plants, and artwork. We also investigate interoception and proprioception and the importance of movement.
Article
This study examines the impact of art exhibitions on the teaching, learning, and practice of Art Education in selected Senior High Schools in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study posed two major questions: What is the state of art exhibition practice in the selected schools? What are the emerging roles of art exhibitions in Art Education? The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study used a sample size of eighty-one (81) participants from a population of 161 Visual Art students and teachers from three selected schools using the simple random and purposive sampling techniques respectively. On research question one, the study established that the present state of art exhibition practice in the Senior High Schools was constrained due to the uncooperative attitude of school leadership resulting in irregular organization of such events. In relation to research question two, it was found that exhibitions play diverse roles in art education. Among others, art exhibitions serve as lenses through which learning objectives in art education are measured; and that the use of artefacts for exhibitions results in the appreciation of cultural diversity among students; they also harness and develop exhibitors’ research skills and critical thinking. Recommendations for exhibitors, schools, and the Government made include encouraging exhibitors to explore the use of other non-conventional materials in producing art works; setting aside non-academic days such as Saturdays and Sundays for exhibitions; and encouraging art students to inculcate artists’ statement during exhibition of their artworks to enhance their writing skills and self-reflection respectively.
Article
This study examines the impact of art exhibitions on the teaching, learning, and practice of Art Education in selected Senior High Schools in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study posed two major questions: What is the state of art exhibition practice in the selected schools? What are the emerging roles of art exhibitions in Art Education? The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study used a sample size of eighty-one (81) participants from a population of 161 Visual Art students and teachers from three selected schools using the simple random and purposive sampling techniques respectively. On research question one, the study established that the present state of art exhibition practice in the Senior High Schools was constrained due to the uncooperative attitude of school leadership resulting in irregular organization of such events. In relation to research question two, it was found that exhibitions play diverse roles in art education. Among others, art exhibitions serve as lenses through which learning objectives in art education are measured; and that the use of artefacts for exhibitions results in the appreciation of cultural diversity among students; they also harness and develop exhibitors’ research skills and critical thinking. Recommendations for exhibitors, schools, and the Government made include encouraging exhibitors to explore the use of other non-conventional materials in producing art works; setting aside non-academic days such as Saturdays and Sundays for exhibitions; and encouraging art students to inculcate artists’ statement during exhibition of their artworks to enhance their writing skills and self-reflection respectively.
Book
Full-text available
The onslaught of neoliberalism, austerity measures and cuts, impact of climate change, protracted conflicts and ongoing refugee crisis, rise of far right and populist movements have all negatively impacted on disability. Yet, disabled people and their allies are fighting back and we urgently need to understand how, where and what they are doing, what they feel their challenges are and what their future needs will be. This comprehensive handbook emphasizes the importance of everyday disability activism and how activists across the world bring together a wide range of activism tactics and strategies. It also challenges the activist movements, transnational and emancipatory politics, as well as providing future directions for disability activism. With contributions from senior and emerging disability activists, academics, students and practitioners from around the globe, this handbook covers the following broad themes: • Contextualising disability activism in global activism • Neoliberalism and austerity in the global North • Rights, embodied resistance and disability activism • Belonging, identity and values: how to create diverse coalitions for rights • Reclaiming social positions, places and spaces • Social media, support and activism • Campus activism in higher education • Inclusive pedagogies, evidence and activist practices • Enabling human rights and policy • Challenges facing disability activism The Routledge Handbook of Disability Activism provides disability activists, students, academics, practitioners, development partners and policy makers with an authoritative framework for disability activism. Taylor & Francis 2019 Outstanding Handbook - Social Sciences - Award Winner http://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-Handbook-of-Disability-Activism-1st-Edition/Berghs-Chaitaka-El-Lahib-Dube/p/book/9780815349303 http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781351165082 http://www.disabilityactivism.com/
Article
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the potential contributions of corporate art collections (CACs) to the process of corporate identity management within companies. Design/methodology/approach Respondents in 181 enterprises in nine different countries completed a questionnaire concerning the roles of CACs in symbolising a firm's core values and culture, influencing the attitudes and behaviour of employees, and developing a company's external image. A regression analysis identified the variables that determined the primary roles of CACs in particular businesses. Findings CACs were routinely employed to facilitate marketing communications (internal as well as external) and to project corporate identities, including aspects related to a company's core values. Additionally collections were frequently used to symbolise core values to a firm's employees. Research limitations/implications Less than a majority of the sampling frame returned the questionnaire. Only a single manager was approached in each enterprise. Case studies of the roles of different kinds of CAC (classical, contemporary, etc.) in disparate industry sectors are required. Practical implications The results demonstrate that CACs represent a powerful marketing communications weapon capable both of attracting clients and developing corporate identity. Originality/value More than half the Fortune 500 companies and around 2000 other major enterprises in Europe and North America now collect art. This research was the first ever to investigate the use of CACs for marketing (especially corporate identity building) purposes.
Article
Full-text available
Anger and stress management have become important issues in the modern workplace. One out of four American workers report themselves to be chronically angry, which has been linked to negative outcomes such as retaliatory behavior, revenge, interpersonal aggression, poor work performance, absenteeism, and increased turnover. We hypothesized that people who work in office environments decorated with aesthetically engaging art posters would experience less stress and anger in response to task-related frustration. Two hundred and ten college students were randomly assigned to different office conditions where abstract and nature paintings were hung on the walls. Participants performed four mild anger-provoking computer tasks and then reported their levels of state anger and stress. Results indicate that different office conditions had a significant influence on state anger and stress for males but not for females. Males experienced less state anger and stress when art posters were present. Through mediation analysis, we found that increased proportions of nature paintings decreased state anger because of decreased levels of stress.
Article
Full-text available
study of employees in the finance industry tested the propositions (a) that work team identity is more salient than organizational identity when desks are assigned, whereas organizational identity is more salient when they are not; and (b) that this is partly because physical arrangements have a significant bearing on the way in which employees engage with the organization as well as who they are most likely to engage with (i.e., impacting on the type and focus of organizational participation). The study measured levels of work team and organizational identity in matched samples of employees (N = 142) assigned to desks and not assigned (i.e., hot desked), as well as their perceptions of the use, importance, and effectiveness of electronic and face-to-face communication as indicators of different types of organizational participation. Results support the hypotheses. The perceived value of electronic communication also accounted for significant variance in organizational identification for all employees. Findings point to a number of practical implications relating to the use of hot desking in the workplace.
Article
Full-text available
The increasingly collaborative nature of knowledge-based work requires workplaces to support both dynamic interactions and concentrated work, both of which are critical for collaboration performance. Given the prevalence of open-plan settings, this requirement has created new challenges for workplace design. Therefore, an understanding of the relationship between the spatial characteristics of workplace settings and the support for collaboration that is perceived by office workers is valuable and timely. Based on a study of 308 office workers in 27 office spaces, this article examines the relationship between a series of workplace spatial characteristics and the support that is perceived by the occupants for collaborations. The spatial characteristics that were examined included individual workstation characteristics that were derived from the literature and a new set of floor-plan layout variables that highlighted shared spaces that are critical for a variety of formal and informal collaboration activities at work. The key characteristics of workplace spatial settings that were associated with the support that the occupants perceived for collaboration were the distance from workstation to meeting space, the distance from workstation to shared service area, the distance from workstation to kitchen/coffee area, and the percentage of floor space that was dedicated to shared services and amenities.
Article
Full-text available
Evolutionary and emotional congruence theoretical perspectives support the use of certain types of artwork to reduce stress and promote improved outcomes in healthcare settings. This paper explores the artwork of three artists whose work falls outside the traditional representational art supported by these theoretical perspectives. The concept of curiosity as a common thread is proposed as the underlying theory in an effort to explain the success of such work in achieving positive outcomes for patients, families, and staff. Other concepts are explored as contributing theoretical frameworks. Research is needed to determine the impact of this emerging type of artwork and the implications of findings for individuals who create--as well as for those who select--art for healthcare settings.
Article
Spaces in organisations are increasingly recognised as socially constructed places, where organisational power is experienced and signalled in multiple ways. One such ambiguously vocal space is the boardroom, where aesthetic knowledge, material culture, and organisational practice combine to frame a space which creates power through its history, its artefacts, and its organisational use. This paper uses Harvey's (19898. Harvey , D. 1989. The condition of modernity, Oxford: Blackwell. View all references) framework of material spatial practices, representations, and spaces of representation to examine how the organisational practices used in boardrooms and more particularly the aesthetic objects within the rooms, work to create co‐constructed places of power and oppression. The players in this oppression are not only those with coercive and material power in the organisation, but also the silent material players of the artefacts: portraits and tables, carpets, and other pictures. The nature of the power network thus created is seen to be ambiguous, working to shape the identity and practices of those who supposedly sit comfortably and legitimately in the space as well as those who are excluded.
Article
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the potential contributions of corporate art collections (CACs) to the process of corporate identity management within companies. Design/methodology/approach Respondents in 181 enterprises in nine different countries completed a questionnaire concerning the roles of CACs in symbolising a firm's core values and culture, influencing the attitudes and behaviour of employees, and developing a company's external image. A regression analysis identified the variables that determined the primary roles of CACs in particular businesses. Findings CACs were routinely employed to facilitate marketing communications (internal as well as external) and to project corporate identities, including aspects related to a company's core values. Additionally collections were frequently used to symbolise core values to a firm's employees. Research limitations/implications Less than a majority of the sampling frame returned the questionnaire. Only a single manager was approached in each enterprise. Case studies of the roles of different kinds of CAC (classical, contemporary, etc.) in disparate industry sectors are required. Practical implications The results demonstrate that CACs represent a powerful marketing communications weapon capable both of attracting clients and developing corporate identity. Originality/value More than half the Fortune 500 companies and around 2000 other major enterprises in Europe and North America now collect art. This research was the first ever to investigate the use of CACs for marketing (especially corporate identity building) purposes.
Article
This study was part of a broader three year research project at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, “A Study of the Effect of the Visual and Performing Arts in Healthcare”, exploring whether visual and performing arts have any measurable effect on physiological, psychological and biological outcomes of clinical significance on patient recovery, and providing a potential cost saving benefit to the NHS. In this specific study of women in labour, two measurements were identified as having clinical significance for achieving optimal outcomes during labour and delivery: length of labour and frequency of requirement for analgesia. A screen was designed to hide emergency equipment with the joint aim of reducing women's anxieties and (through visual art) acting as a focal point of attention and distraction during labour, thus diminishing requirements for analgesia. Results demonstrated, in the presence of the screen, a statistically significant shortening of the duration of labour by 2.1h with frequency of requests for epidural analgesia 7% lower in the study group than in the control group. The significant clinical outcomes of this research provide the evidence of the value of integrating visual art into the environment of a labour and delivery room, improving the quality of the maternity service and potentially delivering real cost savings benefits to Hospitals.
Article
Accessible summary The study investigated the impact of different visual art conditions on agitation and anxiety levels of patients by measuring the rate of pro re nata (PRN) incidents and collecting nurse feedback. Visual art was displayed on a rotation basis on the walls of a small multi‐purpose lounge for psychiatric patients in an East Alabama Hospital. Patients occupied this room during a 3‐ to 4‐day stay while their psychiatric issues were addressed and diagnosed. The PRN data for the days on which different art conditions were displayed, was compared to the PRN data when no art was present. Interviews with the day and night shift nursing staff were conducted. Results showed that PRN medication dispensed by nurses for anxiety and agitation was significantly lower on days when a realistic nature image of a landscape was displayed as compared to days when abstract art, abstract or no art was displayed. Cost of PRN medication was compared for the different conditions establishing a financial case an annual cost saving of US400027000,dependingontypeofartselected.Thestudyconcludedthatpositivedistractions,likevisualartdepictingrestorativenaturescenes,couldhelptoreducementalhealthpatientsanxietyandagitationinhealthcaresettings.Italsomakesacasethattheenvironmentcanhaveapowerfulimpactonhealingandmustbeexploredfurtherforthementalhealthsetting.AbstractThereisagrowingbodyofevidenceontheimpactoftheenvironmentonhealthandwellbeing.Thisstudyfocusesontheimpactofvisualartworksonthewellbeingofpsychiatricpatientsinamultipurposeloungeofanacutecarepsychiatricunit.Wellbeingwasmeasuredbytherateofprorenata(PRN)medicationissuedbynursesinresponsetovisiblesignsofpatientanxietyandagitation.Nurseswereinterviewedtogetqualitativefeedbackonthepatientresponse.FindingsrevealedthattheratioofPRN/patientcensuswassignificantlyloweronthedayswhenarealisticnaturephotographwasdisplayed,comparedtothecontrolcondition(noart)andabstractart.Nursesreportedthatsomepatientsdisplayedagitatedbehaviourinresponsetotheabstractimage.Thisstudymakesacasefortheimpactofvisualartonmentalwellbeing.TheresearchfindingswerealsotranslatedintothetimeandmoneyinvestedonPRNincidents,andannualcostsavingsofalmostUS4000–27 000, depending on type of art selected. The study concluded that positive distractions, like visual art depicting restorative nature scenes, could help to reduce mental health patients' anxiety and agitation in healthcare settings. It also makes a case that the environment can have a powerful impact on healing and must be explored further for the mental health setting. Abstract There is a growing body of evidence on the impact of the environment on health and well‐being. This study focuses on the impact of visual artworks on the well‐being of psychiatric patients in a multi‐purpose lounge of an acute care psychiatric unit. Well‐being was measured by the rate of pro re nata (PRN) medication issued by nurses in response to visible signs of patient anxiety and agitation. Nurses were interviewed to get qualitative feedback on the patient response. Findings revealed that the ratio of PRN/patient census was significantly lower on the days when a realistic nature photograph was displayed, compared to the control condition (no art) and abstract art. Nurses reported that some patients displayed agitated behaviour in response to the abstract image. This study makes a case for the impact of visual art on mental well‐being. The research findings were also translated into the time and money invested on PRN incidents, and annual cost savings of almost US30 000 a year was projected. This research makes a case that simple environmental interventions like visual art can save the hospital costs of medication, and staff and pharmacy time, by providing a visual distraction that can alleviate anxiety and agitation in patients.
Article
Wait times have been reported to be one of the most important concerns for people visiting emergency departments (EDs). Affective states significantly impact perception of wait time. There is substantial evidence that art depicting nature reduces stress levels and anxiety, thus potentially impacting the waiting experience. To analyze the effect of visual art depicting nature (still and video) on patients' and visitors' behavior in the ED. A pre-post research design was implemented using systematic behavioral observation of patients and visitors in the ED waiting rooms of two hospitals over a period of 4 months. Thirty hours of data were collected before and after new still and video art was installed at each site. Significant reduction in restlessness, noise level, and people staring at other people in the room was found at both sites. A significant decrease in the number of queries made at the front desk and a significant increase in social interaction were found at one of the sites. Visual art has positive effects on the ED waiting experience.
Article
This descriptive pilot study aimed at assessing the impact of art contemplation on patients' adaptation to hospital confinement and the factors influencing this effect. Artistic photographs were hung on the walls of the ward. Two hundred and thirty-nine (239) consecutive non-bed-constrained patients who stayed in the ward for at least 3 days (original number enrolled in study were males/females: 148/96, age 19-89 years; 5 patients declined to fill out questionnaires) participated in the study. Patients compiled two questionnaires exploring physical, psychologic, and social/family well-being, relative/friend support, and ward functioning. The self-perceived effect of photographs on the hospitalization distress was assessed. Clinical conditions were evaluated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. Ninety-seven (97) (40.6%) patients belonged to ECOG stage 0, 101 (42.3%) to stage 1, 37 (15.5%) to stage 2, and 4 (1.7%) to stage 3. Two hundred and thirty-nine patients (239) (92%) looked at and 232 (85.5%) repeatedly contemplated the photographs. For most patients (72%), photographs made their stay in the hospital more pleasant. The ECOG performance status and self-perceived anxiety were the only independent modulators of the probability to obtain a restorative effect from the photographs. Embellishing clinical spaces with photographs has a positive effect on the adaptation to hospitalization in most patients. This effect is influenced by the patients' clinical status and self-perceived anxiety.
Article
The well-being of the workforce is clearly a matter of concern to the employer. Such concern translates to considerable costs in the form of fringe benefit packages, health promotion programs, ergonomics, and other ways to reduce absence and enhance health and satisfaction. Despite such efforts, however, one way to address well-being that entails relatively low costs has been largely ignored in the work context. Proximity and availability of the natural environment can foster many desired outcomes, even if the employee does not spend a great amount of time in the natural setting. A theoretical framework is presented that helps explain why even the view from the window can have a positive impact with respect to well-being. Results from two studies offer some substantiation. Further research on the role of nature in the workplace is essential; however, decisions to provide health promoting programs and to enhance fringe benefit packages have not been offered as a direct consequence of empirical verification. While providing windows at work may not be a simple matter, other ways to increase contact with vegetation may provide a low-cost, high-gain approach to employee well-being and effectiveness. Peer Reviewed http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30542/1/0000175.pdf
Article
We undertook a pilot study to evaluate and potentially reduce the level of burnout in the operators of two oncology centers. The study included 65 doctors and nurses of an adult (Group A) and a pediatric oncology unit (Group B). We used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to estimate the level of burnout obtained in three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, distancing (cognitive and emotional) and reduced personal achievement. Data showed a medium-high level of burnout in Group A and a medium-low level in Group B. In the second part of the study, Group B underwent a program of art therapy interventions with the aim of reducing the level of burnout. Comparing the responses from Group B participants before and after the intervention indicated a statistically significant decreased level of burnout. In conclusion, burnout syndrome exists among oncology unit personnel and can be effectively treated with art therapies. Attention devoted to this aspect is required in order to improve the workers' well-being, thus enhancing attention and dedication to patients.
Art for art’s sake? Management consultancies’ art collections”, Management Consultancy
  • A Mitchell
  • N King
The investment on the wall
  • C Shane
Driven by your mission and in honor of your customer
  • J Zimmermann