New data has found that while 27% of businesses are currently using AV to display art and culture, nearly two thirds of AV professionals (65%) believe that technology should be used for artistic or aesthetic purposes, not just functionality. This shift in the industry comes at a time when employees are demanding more aesthetically pleasing workplaces or taking their talent elsewhere.
Nearly half (46%) of young UK workers aged 24-35 would consider quitting due to unattractive office design. Moreover, the data suggests that uninspiring design is also harming employee productivity and wellbeing, with over one-in-five (21%) young workers reporting that their mental health suffers due to poor-quality workplaces.
Kinly’s Art of Productivity report, which surveyed 1,000 UK office workers and 425 AV professionals across Europe found that as businesses contend with talent shortages, productivity crises, and ongoing return-to-office debates, workplaces designed without the employee experience in mind are exacerbating these issues. However, technology is fast becoming the solution.
More than two thirds (69%) of AV teams are now working closely with HR departments to support wellbeing goals through tech. In fact, three in four AV professionals (75%) say that AV supports staff welfare, with more than half of businesses (51%) now deliberately using technology like digital signage to enhance the overall workplace experience.
Technology is also proving to be key in building more inclusive and supportive environments. Nearly a third of enterprises (31%) are actively using AV to support neurodiverse employees through accessibility-focused software or sensory-friendly design features, and almost half (46%) plan to follow suit.
Beyond aesthetics and inclusivity, AV technology is also essential for businesses looking to maximise hybrid working models. As well as keeping employees connected, 71% of AV professionals believe AV plays a role in building community across offices and remote teams.
“Creative environments fuel performance. Office design is no longer just an aesthetic choice, it’s a strategic one,” says Tom Martin, CEO at Kinly. “Businesses have to give employees the tools they need to thrive, and that includes an environment where they feel empowered and inspired. The office has become a second-choice experience for many employees, but implementing technology creatively can and will make a difference, both in terms of boosting office attendance and improving overall output.”
“Remote work has opened up new ways for creative collaboration,” adds Ben Sheppee, British Visual Artist. “But without the right tools, it can actually stifle the creative process and leave people feeling disconnected. As hybrid work becomes the norm, it’s vital that businesses provide the technology to help ideas flow freely, no matter where their teams are.”
image: shutterstock/Stokkete