Art in the Workplace: How Corporate Art Programs Boost Employee Well-Being

Art consultant and curator Giorgia Ligasacchi of Pavesio e Associati with Negri-Clementi discusses the integration of art into corporate environments, based on her work with La Galleria BPER at BPER Banca. She outlines four levels of benefit: personal (individual growth, new perspectives), interpersonal (improved collaboration and social interaction), organizational (enhanced work climate and corporate culture), and transversal (adaptability to novelty and innovation). Art also supports CSR under the ESGC framework (adding Culture to ESG), strengthening ties with territory and community, and aiding employer branding for younger generations valuing work-life balance. Practical examples include exhibitions at BPER Banca's Milan branch, where employees work surrounded by art, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Challenges include skepticism from employees who may view artists as 'strange' and the difficulty of measuring intangible long-term business benefits. Ligasacchi emphasizes clear communication and trust-building to overcome resistance.