Are your noticeboards destroying productivity?

Yes really! The colour of noticeboards may seem like a trivial choice, however studies have shown that colour has a major bearing on people’s behaviour and attitudes. Choosing the right colour felt noticeboard could be the difference between a productive workplace and a stressed and strained environment. What colour felt noticeboard should you choose? Do you follow your brand identity – whether it’s a red, blue or beige, or do you follow the studies and go for a colour that appeals to your audience or desired atmosphere? Who’s your audience? According to one study in 2013 by Joe Hallock, 57% of males identified blue as their favourite colour. Some way behind were green (14%), black (9%), red and orange. The same study highlighted that among females blue is also the most popular colour (35%) closely followed by purple (23%) and green (14%). Orange and brown were overwhelming voted as both male and female’s least favourite colour – identified directly as cheap and inexpensive. Age is also a factor. Young adults have opt for hues with a longer wave length (red, orange and yellow). As adults mature their preferences switch to shorter wavelength colours (blue, green and purple). All of these stats are nicely visualised by Kiss Metrics. Do favourites matter we hear you say. Not directly, however any marginal gains you add into your working environment can only be helpful! What mood do you want to create? The colour of your noticeboards can convey a simple atmospheric message to your employees or visitors. Red: Evokes excitement and energy. Best used in small doses, it makes a significant impact. Watch out as red in particular in emotional – like anger and frustration. It’s also known to raise blood pressure. Blue: The polar opposite of red; blue evokes calm and tranquillity. It’s also associated with trustworthiness, strength and stability. Green: Closely linked with the environment, green is relaxing and refreshing. Yellow: A double edged sword, yellow is both joyful and uplifting to slightly sickly. Yellow is also known to promote openness! Orange: A marriage made in heaven; red and yellow combined to create an active colour without the drawbacks of either two. Black: Sombre but sleek! Going black and white in an office can be dreamy. A word of warning; black is linked with mourning and villains. Walk into a bright reception area with vibrant colours and it evokes feelings of modernism and energy. Walk into a room with drab and gloomy felt noticeboards and it may immediately dull your employees or your client’s enthusiasm for your pitch. Your business sector also provides input. Marketing agencies who crave creativity and edginess need vibrancy! Hospitals, schools and waiting areas need calming, reassuring blues and greens. Professional firms need a little of both so that people are calm and relaxed…but not so calm and relaxed their productivity drops. Mixing and matching So, you’ve come this far and have realise that all of the colours have their place. So one answer is to add different coloured noticeboards to different rooms. In your marketing office, where you want creativity and vibrancy, splash some red on the walls. In the sales office, where things are stressful, go with calming blues and greens. In your gym go with yellow/ orange to add a burst of energy! Employees and customers attitudes are influenced by what they see. A dull work environment won’t motivate or invigorate them, yet a modern, colourful environment can really awake their spirit. The colour you pick is ultimately down to the profile of your employees and customers and the type of environment you want to create. We offer a wide range of coloured felt noticeboards – none of which will destroy your productivity! View our full range of felt noticeboards.