Charis Tsevis - Imagine the Workspace as a Storytelling Canvas

Photo collages of world cities in a clinic interior

My mosaic artwork at the Hauck-Rohrbach clinics in Germany transforms the space into a serene and inspiring environment. This piece aims to bring warmth, positivity, and healing through art.

What if your office walls could tell your company’s story
—visually, emotionally, and authentically?

Envision stepping into a workspace where every hallway tells a story, every mural echoes a mission, and every visual element reinforces the essence of your organization. This is the realm of custom corporate art—where visual design transcends decoration to become a strategic business asset.

Let’s delve into how this works and why companies across various industries are transforming their workspaces into cultural landscapes of meaning, identity, and innovation.

Why should corporations invest in art within the workplace?

Because evidence supports it, and practical experience confirms it.

A growing body of interdisciplinary research—from organizational psychology to architecture and design—underscores the multifaceted benefits of incorporating art into work environments:
• Enhanced Workplace Environment: Offices adorned with art are perceived as more welcoming and stimulating. A study by Dr. Craig Knight at the University of Exeter found that employees in enriched office spaces were 17% more productive than those in lean environments .
• Improved Employee Well-being: Exposure to art in the workplace has been linked to reduced stress levels and increased job satisfaction. Research indicates that 69% of employees believe that having visually striking art in the office contributes positively to their well-being.
• Art in the workplace isn’t merely decorative; it’s a catalyst for a more engaged, productive, and innovative workforce.

A mosaic mural for the Delta Airlines Sky Club in Seattle

Three dimensional installation of a city photomosaic in Seattle airport

Showcasing the intricate details of my mosaic mural installation at the headquarters of Cypriot politician Konstantinos Letymbiotis. This artwork combines elements of community, history, and storytelling to create a visually engaging piece.

Joining forces with Konstantinos Letymbiotis at the election watch gala. The mosaic mural I created serves as a stunning backdrop, reflecting themes of unity and collaboration during this significant political event.

Isn’t corporate art just an extravagant expense?

Only if you consider investing in employee morale, innovation, and cultural clarity as extravagant.

Brand-enhancing art serves as a tangible expression of a company’s values and culture. It communicates to employees, clients, and the public that the organization values creativity, diversity, and a stimulating work environment.

For instance, Deutsche Bank’s extensive art collection, comprising over 50,000 works, is strategically curated to foster creativity and engagement among employees and clients alike.

What roles does corporate art fulfill?

Art-led identity program serves multiple strategic functions within organizations, extending beyond mere aesthetics to influence various aspects of the workplace. Research and case studies have identified several key motivations for implementing art programs:

1. Workplace Enhancement: Art transforms generic office spaces into inspiring environments that can boost employee morale and satisfaction. For instance, enriched workspaces adorned with art have been shown to increase productivity by up to 17% compared to lean environments. Companies like WeWork incorporate art and design elements to create vibrant workspaces that foster creativity and collaboration.

2. Employee Engagement and Well-being: Incorporating art into the workplace contributes to a more satisfied and healthier workforce. Artistic elements can reduce stress and enhance mental well-being, leading to improved employee engagement. A study found that 69% of employees felt that having visually striking art in the workplace positively impacted their well-being. Companies like Adobe and Salesforce have implemented art workshops to promote employee wellness and foster a positive work culture.

DonChristian Jones, MoMA’s first Adobe Creative Resident, is a multidisciplinary artist known for blending music, visual art, and community collaboration.

3. Creativity and Productivity Stimulation: Art encourages innovative thinking and efficient work habits by stimulating the mind and providing new perspectives. Exposure to art in the workplace has been linked to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities among employees. For example, Google has utilized art workshops as team-building activities to boost creativity and collaboration.

4. Social Cohesion: Shared artistic experiences can strengthen team bonds and foster a sense of community within the workplace. Art installations and collaborative art projects encourage interaction among employees, leading to improved communication and teamwork. At Community Legal Aid, group art-making sessions provided a stress-free space for employees to connect across departments, enhancing social cohesion.

5. Brand Building: Art reflects and reinforces a company’s identity and values, serving as a visual representation of its brand. Art collections can communicate a company’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and cultural engagement. For instance, Rabanne’s Arts Factory initiative supports digital artists and aligns with the brand’s identity as a cultural maison.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Art initiatives can demonstrate a company’s commitment to cultural and social causes, enhancing its CSR profile. By supporting the arts and engaging with the community, companies can contribute to societal well-being and cultural development. La Prairie’s collaboration with Swiss photographers for Art Basel exemplifies how art partnerships can reflect a company’s dedication to cultural engagement.

7. Education and Mission Alignment: Art can serve as a medium to communicate and align with the company’s mission, values, and goals. Through curated art collections and installations, organizations can convey their narratives and foster a shared sense of purpose among employees. Corporate art becomes a powerful communicator, articulating the company’s identity and culture to both internal and external audiences.

8. Investment and Asset Diversification: Corporate art collections can also be considered as part of a diversified investment portfolio. Art has demonstrated resilience as an investment, with contemporary art exhibiting an average annual price appreciation of 13.5% during inflationary periods. Additionally, art investments offer the advantage of reduced monitoring and market dependency compared to traditional financial assets.

These roles don’t exist in theory alone—they unfold in practical, measurable ways across industries.

Mosaic murals for the USA House in Rio 2016 Summer Olympics

Mosaic wall for The USA Olympic Team.

1. How does art enhance the workplace?

Workplace art can transform a bland office into an engaging and inspiring environment. For example, integrating large-scale murals or installations can create a visually stimulating atmosphere that reflects the company’s culture and values.

2. Can art improve employee well-being?

Absolutely. Studies have shown that art in the working environment can reduce stress and improve overall employee satisfaction. A study by the University of Westminster found that employees in art-enriched offices experienced a 60% reduction in stress levels compared to those in minimalist environments .

3. Does art stimulate creativity and productivity?

Yes. Artistic elements can inspire employees to think creatively and work more efficiently. Scientific analysis indicate that employees in enriched office spaces are not only more productive but also more creative .

4. Can art foster social connection at work?

Indeed. Art can serve as a conversation starter and a shared experience that brings employees together. A study published in the Journal of Workplace Learning found that art in the workplace promotes social interactions and fosters a sense of community among employees .

A mosaic portrait of Nobu Matsuhisa made out with his most iconic dishes

A limited number of artworks are used as gifts for Nestlé company retired employees

5. Can art strengthen a brand’s image?

Art can be a powerful tool in expressing and reinforcing a company’s brand identity. By carefully selecting artwork that aligns with the company’s values and mission, organizations can create a cohesive and compelling brand narrative.

6. What role does art play in CSR?

Incorporating art into CSR initiatives can demonstrate a company’s commitment to cultural enrichment and social responsibility. For instance, companies that support local artists or art education programs showcase their dedication to community engagement and cultural development.

7. Can art serve educational purposes?

Yes. Art can be used to educate employees and visitors about the company’s history, values, and mission. Interactive installations or informative displays can provide insights into the organization’s journey and objectives.

8. Is corporate art a viable investment?

While the primary goal of organizational art is to enhance the workplace and reflect company values, art collections can also serve as investment assets. The Arte-Blue Chip Index suggests that allocating a portion of a portfolio to blue-chip art can enhance risk-adjusted returns.

Limited edition mosaic prints displayed in the therapy room of Phexmed wellness center

For the 40th anniversary of Quest Group, the Greek Apple Authorised Distributor a limited edition artwork was gifted to key figures.

A mosaic interpretation of the logo has been minted as NFTs and is part of the company's significant art collection

Not all art in the workplace delivers the same depth of impact. There’s a profound difference between selecting pre-existing pieces from a catalog and commissioning bespoke artwork that speaks directly to a company’s unique identity, values, and space. That difference lies in intentionality.

The Value of Custom Corporate Art

In my experience, custom workplace art offers unparalleled advantages over generic, non-commissioned pieces. Tailored artworks are crafted to resonate specifically with a company’s culture, values, and mission, creating a unique visual narrative that generic art simply cannot achieve. This bespoke approach ensures that the artwork aligns seamlessly with the corporate identity, enhancing brand recognition and fostering a deeper connection with both employees and clients. Moreover, custom corporate art can be designed to fit specific spaces within the corporate environment, optimizing aesthetic appeal and spatial harmony. By collaborating closely with clients, I ensure that each piece not only beautifies the space but also tells a story that is uniquely theirs.

The Quiet Power of Mosaic in Corporate Spaces

Mosaic art, with its rich historical roots, has long been integral to architectural design, offering both durability and intricate beauty. My approach to mosaic art involves a deep exploration of the organization’s history, values, and experiences, meticulously selecting elements that reflect its unique journey. Each mosaic I create is a layered narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels. The interplay of individual tesserae forms a cohesive image that reveals more upon closer inspection, providing a dynamic visual experience.

This multidimensionality invites the observer to shift between macro and micro levels—zooming in to discover nuance and texture, zooming out to grasp the broader vision. In this way, the artwork offers not just visual depth but also narrative and conceptual dimension—what I sometimes call a ‘fourth dimension’ of interpretation.

By integrating these elements, my mosaics - singularis or limited editions - serve not just as decorative pieces but as immersive storytelling mediums that encapsulate the essence of the corporate entity.

A mosaic illustration for a Cypriot football team in an FC boutique

Paphos FC dining room decoration

How can a company start integrating art into the workplace?

1. Define Objectives: Determine what the company aims to achieve with its art program—be it enhancing the work environment, reflecting brand values, or engaging employees.
2. Engage Stakeholders: Involve employees in the selection process to ensure the art resonates with the workforce.
3. Collaborate with Professionals: Work with art consultants or curators to select pieces that align with the company’s goals and culture.
4. Rotate Exhibits: Regularly updating the artwork can keep the environment fresh and continually inspire employees.
5. Measure Impact: Assess the effects of the art program on employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall workplace atmosphere.

Moments Gate: A mosaic mural for the new Delta Airlines Sky Club in San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The work was further developed to create a three-dimensional relief construction

Final Thoughts: Why art, and why now?

In today’s dynamic work environment, where employee engagement and well-being are paramount, integrating art into the workplace is more relevant than ever. Art not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also serves as a strategic tool to foster a positive, creative, and cohesive work culture.

By thoughtfully incorporating art into the workplace, companies can create an environment that not only looks good but also feels good—promoting well-being, sparking creativity, and reinforcing the company’s identity and values.

Whether you’re just beginning to consider workplace art or looking to take your current program further, I’d be happy to explore how art—and perhaps mosaic—can support your goals.

A series of mosaic portraits of computing pioneers to decorate the rooms of Shashi Shoreline Hotel in Silicon Valley

A mosaic portrait of Vassilis Spinos, the founder of the Elite Strom