How Art Can Turn the Office Into a Destination

With remote work, flexible schedules, and changing employee expectations, the role of the office is shifting. Creating a space that people enjoy being in has become an essential part of workplace culture. We use art to help organizations shape environments that feel intentional and inspiring. Through our Art Consulting and Creative Placemaking services, we collaborate with teams to design spaces that reflect shared values, support well-being, and strengthen community within the workplace.

Office design has evolved from focusing solely on productivity and efficiency to embracing more human-centered values. Today’s employees want to feel inspired, appreciated, and connected to their work, their colleagues, and their environment. Art supports this shift by expressing a company’s identity, reinforcing its values, and promoting well-being. When used with intention, it helps create spaces that are both meaningful and engaging.

Research continues to show that art has a meaningful impact on how people feel and function in their environments. Studies have found that incorporating art into office spaces can help reduce stress levels and mental fatigue, creating a calmer and more focused atmosphere. It can also enhance cognitive performance, helping individuals concentrate more effectively and think more clearly throughout the day. Employees working in environments that include thoughtfully selected artwork often report higher levels of job satisfaction and a stronger sense of connection to their workplace, which can improve retention over time. In addition, exposure to visual art has been linked to increased creative thinking, encouraging new ideas and problem-solving approaches. When art is integrated with care and intention, it becomes part of the daily experience, offering quiet moments that support engagement, curiosity, and a deeper sense of presence at work.

Every piece of art in an office tells a story and represents thoughtful decisions that align with a company’s values, identity, and intentions. These choices offer a unique opportunity for organizations to share what matters to them in a visual and lasting way. By curating collections or commissioning site-specific work, businesses can highlight the voices of local artists and support a regional creative economy. Art can also be a powerful way to reflect a company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by showcasing a range of perspectives, identities, and stories. Themes like sustainability, resilience, innovation, or growth can be expressed visually, reinforcing the company’s mission in a way that resonates with both employees and visitors. Finally, custom, branded art solutions serve to strategically amplify brand identity in the office.  When art is integrated intentionally, it enriches the workplace environment, encourages meaningful dialogue, and fosters a sense of connection.

Creative placemaking brings intentional design into the workplace by turning underused areas into spaces with purpose and meaning. Each area, from corridors to gathering spots, can be thoughtfully shaped to support the people who use it. This might include a collaborative wall that encourages employee participation, or a quiet area with rotating artwork focused on mental wellness. Sculptural features in common areas can help define the character of a space, while digital displays can be used to share employee stories or highlight partnerships within the community. These design choices are part of a broader strategy to strengthen workplace culture, build engagement, and create an environment where people feel more connected and supported in their day-to-day experience.

Modern offices need to support flexibility while also giving people a reason to show up. As hybrid work becomes standard, the office is no longer just a place for daily tasks—it’s a space for connection, focus, and shared experiences. Art can play a key role in shaping that environment and supporting collaboration. When the workplace feels intentional and engaging, employees are more likely to come in because they know the setting will support creativity, motivation, and a sense of purpose. A well-curated art program can contribute to that atmosphere and help strengthen the overall experience of being on-site.

The office remains an important part of how we work, but its role is changing. Companies that understand the impact of art on company culture and well-being are better equipped to build environments where employees feel supported and engaged. Art can bring energy, focus, and a sense of connection to a space. It’s not just decoration—it’s a meaningful part of how a workplace functions. EMROSE projects partners with you to bring that vision to life and create spaces that truly reflect the people who use them.