Managers all over the world have been researching and devising techniques and changes to the working office environment, in the hope they can make their working environment a happier and motivational place to work.

One aspect of your office, which researchers claim is a massive factor in the mood and actions of your workforce are the colours and lighting they work in. This includes the amount of natural light coming in through the windows, the brightness of the fitted lights, even the colour of the walls or office partitioning.

Natural Light is massively motivational in the office, with studies proving that it has had a positive impact on attendance, punctuality, increased concentration and increased productivity among the workforce. Natural light can also reduce health issues as it has be known that it reduces strain on your eyes, and stress and anxiety levels are likely to drop, in what at times can be a very challenging environment.

On top of that there are benefits which include saving electricity and saving money on bills, which is a very hot topic in today’s eco-friendly environment.

Clearly many business owners believe this will impact the productivity amongst their work force, as more managers are looking for offices with structural glazing and glass office partitioning, which will let the highest amount of natural light into a working office.

As mentioned, another factor which could affect the mood (and productivity) of your employees, is the colour scheme of your office, which includes the colour of the walls, any paintings or posters around the office, even the colour of your furniture. We are told that all different colours are meant to reveal all kinds of different emotions from every individual.

• This includes red, which is meant to stimulate, excite and warm the body, as well as increase your heart rate and respiratory activity. It has also been known to bring out excessive stress, anger and anxiety issues in individuals, which many believe make it a risky choice.

• Yellow is seen as a very calming and relaxing colour, which is meant to stimulate your memory.

• Green brings with it feelings of calm, anticipation and hope, and again creates a very soothing and relaxing atmosphere which will reduce anger, anxiety and stress.

• Blue has very much the same affect as green in that it relaxes and calms you, and it has also shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. One of the more fascinating things about a blue environment is that in hot and humid weather, it can actually have a cooling affect on the team, which comes in handy during the hot summer months.

• Finally, pink is said to have a comforting affect on your muscles, putting you in to state of relaxation.

These changes in colour could be achieved through simply painting walls, coloured glass, through mood lighting or feature pieces such as sofas, tables and artwork.

So there are some ideas on how to improve morale and efficiency among your company. Why not give it a try and see if it makes an impact in your office environment?