The statistics speak for themselves. Study after study has shown that when you subject your employees to drab white, gray, or neutral-colored walls, it diminishes Employee morale and productivity. Before you head to the hardware store to buy some buckets of brightly colored paint though, consider taking a different approach – use Motivational posters instead!

A number of studies have been conducted on the impact that motivational posters have, both on employee morale and on productivity. In one particularly interesting study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, in Canada, researchers found that even though the employees were “too busy” to pay much attention to the artwork on the walls, its presence had a measurable impact on productivity.

In this instance, the company studied was a call center, and the employees were tasked with making phone calls to potential donors and collecting pledges. The research team tested two different types of motivational art: Those with achievement-centered images (someone winning a race, for example), and motivation-centered images with arresting scenery and an inspiring, motivational message.

The results were astonishing. Employees who could see the motivational imagery saw their success rate increase by 33%, and the group that could see the achievement-oriented imagery raised 60% more money in pledges than those who worked without any motivational imagery on the wall.

Given the nominal cost of motivational posters (or either type), the ROI is simply incredible. Even better, the effects of the motivational art appear to be permanent. Its positive impacts do not degrade or wane over time. Having said that, one great way to further increase employee engagement and involvement is to get their input when it comes to periodically swapping out the art to keep the messaging fresh.

With that in mind, you may be excited to add some motivational artwork to your walls. We’ll present some fantastic options just below, but before we do, just understand that while you can spend a lot of money on motivational artwork, you certainly don’t have to. There are plenty of fantastic options that are modestly priced and look great on your walls, so even if you don’t have a big budget to work with, you can find a big selection of motivational artwork that will have a notable, positive impact on your employees.

The trick is to find art with phrases that capture the essence of your company’s values that you’d like to burnish and improve. Here are some great, modestly-priced options to consider:

Service Waterfall Motivational Poster

This is a beautiful choice if you have employees working in an area with no windows. It gives them a serene, moss-covered hill to look at with a waterfall cascading down. If you look at the picture long enough, you can almost hear the sounds of the water, and the more distant, surrounding forest sounds. A beautiful image with a great message relating to service that reads as follows: “Service is the lifeblood of any organization. Everything flows from it and is nourished by it. Customer service is not a department…it’s an attitude.”

The poster measures 24” x 30” and can be ordered either as is, or with a variety of framing options.

Make It Happen Mountain Motivational Poster

A stunning vista featuring a lone mountain climber who has reached the peak of a distant mountain, and is standing with his back to the viewer, admiring the cloud scape spread out below him. The text that accompanies the image reads: “Make it Happen – Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

The poster measures 24” x 30” and can be ordered either as is, or with a variety of framing options.

Attitude Is Everything – Inspirational Art

This simple piece with a dash of bright color offers some contemporary charm while delivering a powerful, timeless message. Attitude really IS everything!

This print can be ordered in one of three styles: An unframed 8” x 10” print, a framed 11” x 14” version, or a framed 12” x 15” version

Collaborate – Grove Motivational Poster

Another breathtaking image that’s ideal for hanging in areas where your employees don’t have a window to look out, this stately grove of trees sits on a lush green field and is backlit by a low sun. The message reads as follows: “Collaborate – To stand apart from the competition, you must first stand together as a team.” Wise, inspiring words.

The poster measures 24” x 30” and can be ordered either as is, or with a variety of framing options.

Create Your Own Motivational Poster

If you want to create something wholly unique to your company, why not design your own?! You can specify the image to be used and the motivational phrase to be included. The process is simple, and you can complete the order on the web. Try it and see for yourself!

Possibilities – Wooden Bridge Motivational Poster

Another visually arresting image, this one of a neatly kept wooden bridge in the midst of a lush, thick forest. The message here reads: “Possibilities – It takes courage to step off of the familiar to embrace the new and unknown future. But when you do, the possibilities are endless.”

The poster measures 24” x 30” and can be ordered either as is, or with a variety of framing options.

Be The Difference – Inspirational Art

Another simple, brightly colored contemporary design, this one delivering the message “Be the difference!”

It can be ordered in one of three options: An 11” x 14” unframed print, an 11” x 14” with a black wood frame and mat, or a 16” x 20” version with a black wood frame and mat.

One final thing to remember is this: A significant percentage of business owners get stuck on the notion that the only “appropriate” place for motivational art is in the lobby. It’s fine to put some there, but remember, it’s going to have the biggest impact if it’s placed somewhere that your employees can see it on a daily basis, so don’t be bashful about making good use of any wall space you’ve got available, especially in the areas where your employees actually work and spend most of their day.