When workers must use their eyes a great deal, it helps to use low-reflective colors. Flat absorptive colors can ease the strain of working at computer terminals all day. Appropriate colors are important in protecting eyesight, creating surroundings that are conducive to work and study, and in promoting physical and mental health. Office workers spend half their waking hours on the job, and satisfaction with the environment is closely associated with job performance. When an employer creates a beautiful working environment it communicates that she cares about her staff.
Drab offices are counterproductive.
Off-white, buff and gray surroundings offer little inspiration. Employers must reflect an image of caring for their employees and this involves providing environments that will raise spirits, not suppress them. Health care facilities and retirement homes, especially, can benefit from good color design. The key here is to create user-friendly physical structures that are practical and spiritually uplifting. Bland environments cause sensory deprivation and can be detrimental to healing.