The 5 Best Colors to Boost Your Productivity, Focus, and Mindset at Work

Your environment has a huge impact on your work performance.

Everything from background noise to how comfortable your chair is and the temperature of your workspace can impact your productivity and focus. 

But did you know colors do as well? 

One study found that the difference between office interior colors impacted worker productivity in relation to task performance and accuracy. 

Another looked at the impact of red, green, and white office spaces on worker productivity and mood, finding interesting differences between male and female employees.

So if you’re looking to create an optimal workspace, color matters.   

Here are 5 best colors for productivity and focus and some ways to incorporate them into your workspace.  

5 Colors for Productivity and Focus

1. Yellow for Positivity

Think sunshine, smiley faces, and daffodils—yellow is a naturally positive color. It may evoke memories of your favorite beach vacation or getting outside on a sunny day.

Using yellow accents in your office decor can help channel a positive mindset, which is key for productivity and motivation at work.   

2. Green for Calm

There are hundreds of studies that link time outside to better health and well-being. Being in nature is so good for you that some utilize “park prescriptions” to manage stress. 

And while you can’t always be in nature during your work day, you can bring some into your workspace by incorporating the color green. 

Evoking the calm of nature, green is a great color for feelings of peace and zen—both of which will help you focus on work. 

3. Blue for Relaxation 

A lot of people gravitate towards the color blue because similar to green and yellow, it’s readily present in nature. Blue can create a sense of relaxation—just think of daydreaming while looking at the sky or watching the ocean waves roll in. 

One study of university students found that blue increased relaxation and calmness in comparison to other colors while they were studying.

Another study found that blue and green-colored medicinal pills were associated with a tranquilizing effect, compared to red, orange, and yellow ones that were perceived as stimulants. 

4. Red for Energy

As the boldest color on this list, it’s unlikely everyone will want vibrant red colors in their office space. 

But using it selectively could help create a sense of urgency and purpose. Studies show that the color red influences basic motor functioning, measured in a study by the velocity and force of a handgrip when viewing red over other colors. 

So when you need an extra push to get things done, red can help. 

5. Neutrals for Focus

If you like a more minimalist aesthetic, this one’s for you. Neutral colors—beiges, browns, white, creams—are ideal for deep focus. 

Because they aren’t as stimulating as other colors, you won’t be distracted by them. They create a seamless, calm environment for you to do your best work. 

How to Incorporate Color Into Your Workplace

Have you already thought of some ways to incorporate these colors into your workspace? Here are a few of our favorite ways to do it: 

• Decor: Things like pictures, artwork, rugs, office supplies (i.e., staplers), vases, or any other decor item can be highlighted in a specific color. 
• Furniture: Choose a statement chair, desk, or couch for your office in a chosen color. 
• Paint: If you’re able to change the wall color in your workspace, consider doing so. An accent wall is a good option if you don’t want to paint the whole space. 
• Plants: This is a great way to bring in some of that green and a piece of nature into your workspace. 
• Computer and phone: If you can’t make many changes to your physical workspace, use colors on your computer or phone, such as on the home screen or changing the theme colors. 
• Bookshelf: If you own a lot of books, you can color-coordinate them on the shelf to have more of an impactful look. 
• Notebook and sticky notes: If you’re a pen-and-paper kind of person, choose your notebook, day planner, or sticky notes in a specific color. 

Have some fun playing around with your office decor and accessories. You can even change up the colors over time and see what makes the most positive impact on your productivity and focus. 

If you work from home, you may use colors to strategically separate your working and living space, which is an important strategy for focus and concentration. 

If you’re a remote professional or small business owner looking for a customizable space, consider our fully-customizable private offices. They’re private spaces for just you and your team—a space you can customize or decorate with specific colors to make it your own. 

If you don’t need a full office, dedicated desks also provide a great option to make your own. You can bring in desk plants, decor, or art in your favorite colors to make the space your own. 

And, with both options, you have access to our communal spaces and amenities that make Co-Balt such a positive environment. So, if you’re a small business owner or independent professional and you want to get more out of every workday, book a tour of Co-Balt today.