Wide Spectrum Specifications!

A PHOTOCHROMALOGIST was called in to a cosmetics company soon after it was renovated. He noticed that the attitude of the employees matched the bleak starkness of the white walls and ceilings. He suggested that a livelier colour scheme in the building would improve the attitude and productivity of employees and bring back the enthusiasm in the place. He was right. Innovative colour schemes and vibrant fascias restored the glow of the place and the people! Tangible results included a sharp drop in absenteeism, and workplace stressors.

The dominant colour in the cosmetic industry is red. Virtually every product was in various shades of red. The residual impact of the colour would tend to influence people's perception of the white walls and the resultant effect was a pale, sickly green! That colour would psychosomatically cause the people to feel slightly nauseous, and considerably lethargic.

Psychologists have been trying to establish a relation between emotional elements, psychological stimuli, moods and wellness. Colours are not just `seen' but `felt'. Corporate culture has evolved to develop the right colours for corporate dress, consumer products and even promotional tools. Extending colour therapy to workplaces for happy and healthy employees is common.

Snow white

One may be tempted to use white to fill in the interiors because of its association with purity and peace. On the contrary, its reflective brilliance is so high that it tends to generate negative emotions like scattered and foggy perception, nervous tension and increases levels of stress. To some extent white is known to relieve pain and promote vigour, but it is best avoided at workplaces where the secretion of adrenaline is already high. Furthermore, it tends to lend itself to an overlay of counter- reaction to other, stronger colours.

Glow warm effect

For a stimulating affect, warm orange is ideal. It could be the colour of every company that seeks to boost the energy of its employees. The colour has a beneficial effect against nervous and cardiovascular ailments, and combats stress and hypertension. Orange also boosts immune responses.

Green scene

Eyestrain is one of the most common occupational hazards these days especially with the high use of computers. Occupations that call for intense concentration over intricate details as in case of jewellery designing and watch making take a toll on the ciliary muscles. Leaf green in this case, is the ideal colour for this environment. In the entire spectrum, green is the only colour that is focused exactly on the centre of the retina even after refraction. Leaf or dark green not only promotes healthy eyes but also generates a feeling of serenity or calm. Green is known to reduce muscular tension and is recommended for environments where tasks are sedentary.

True blue

Blue and emotional well being are closely associated. The lighter shades cool the mind's eye. Blue curbs anger, violent outbursts and high blood pressure. It is also known to improve concentration and keep at bay respiratory troubles, fever and infections. Red in its correct intensity is recommended for those with low blood pressure and anaemia. Deeper shades provoke volatile behaviour, anger, hostility and rebelliousness.

Occupational colours

Surgeons wear green gowns to calm the patients while food joints have high-energy colours like red and yellow since it is known to increase the appetite. This is to say that specific occupations warrant specific colours. For those involved in sports, orange is the right choice while yellow adds value to occupations that require high levels of energy, intelligence and strong communication skills. Not the ideal colour for penitentiaries!

Harmonious blend

It is not appropriate for corporate environments to be coloured bright purple or be fluorescent. But these shades can be beneficial so a small painting, a curio or a few flowers in these colours will have the desired effect. Workplaces need not confine colour to walls and ceilings. Pin-up boards or accessories like files, folders, pen stands, or a colourful wastepaper basket could promote the desired effect!

When using colours, it is essential to choose the right shade. For instance, dark blue has negative effects, giving rise to mood swings, and pale green can cause nausea and headaches A judicious mix of the dominant colours with neutrals like beige and grey can bring about the right ambience.

Depressed and unhappy employees do not require a visit to the HR department. Get the colours right and see spirits and productivity soar!

RL SAILAJA

sailaja.hyd@cnkonline.com