Want to attract top talent? Throw art on the wall

by Justin Reynolds

It’s no secret that it’s difficult to attract top talent these days. With so many companies vying for candidates with the highest talent potential — and the internet making it easier than ever for job seekers to connect with companies all around the country — it’s getting harder and harder for companies to stand out from the pack.

In addition to flexible schedules, remote working, and awesome perks, how can your organization differentiate itself from its competitors? One way you might not have thought of is quite simple: hang art on the walls.

One recent survey found that 82% of employees consider art to be important to both their office environments and the quality of the work they do. Hang some exotic and interesting art on your walls, and top talent might be a little more interested in joining your team — maybe even enough to nudge them into your corner.

Beyond that, art provides companies with a number of benefits, including:

1. More opportunities for spontaneous conversation
Coworkers are the number one thing employees like about their jobs. Yet according to our Engagement Report, only 24% of workers feel connected to their peers. While workers generally get along with the people they work with every day, many of them don’t have the opportunity to get to know their colleagues who work in other departments. By hanging art on your office walls, you increase the chances that two employees who otherwise wouldn’t cross paths strike up a conversation — building camaraderie along the way.

2. A team that’s more productive and more creative
In a boring office setting, it’s next to impossible to feel inspired. But when art is hanging on the walls, the environment becomes much livelier. Studies show that art in the office can boost happiness — which translates into increased productivity. In fact, according to one report, employees at offices with art hanging in them worked 15% faster than their peers in less exciting environments. Additionally, art in the office can help inspire your workers to think outside the box and examine topics from more abstract perspectives. This can help your team understand things more thoroughly and even come up with game-changing ideas.

3. Reinforced company culture
Assuming your company culture values creativity, discussion, emotions, and the power of human connections, hanging art on the walls of your office can also help you reinforce your company culture. This is important because as our Engagement Report notes, employees are increasingly drawn to organizations that have exciting cultures. Believe it or not, today’s workers are more motivated by company culture than they are by their salaries and the perks they’re offered. Adding art to your office environment is a great way to show your employees that you actually care about your company’s values and the well-being of your employees.

Chances are you won’t be able to spring for a Renoir or van Gogh — that’s perfectly fine. The artwork you hang on your walls doesn’t have to be painted by the masters. Choose something that looks nice and is work appropriate. Your employees will thank you as morale gets even better and your team gets even stronger every time a new position opens up.

This article originally appeared on TINYpulse.