Office workers will pick up paintbrushes and get in touch with their creative side as part of a new initiative to prevent them falling victim to work-related burnout.
Grampian Hospital Arts Trust (GHAT) has said its new hands-on Art At Work sessions at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary can help employees reduce their stress levels and feel more comfortable when back behind their desks.
Working with local artists, business groups take part in workshops to create pieces including paintings, murals and sculptures.
These can then be taken away to display in their workplace for all to see, while also acting as a reminder of the charity’s positive work in hospitals across the city.
GHAT says the therapeutic benefits of art still go unrecognised by many, despite a growing bank of evidence highlighting its positive aspects.
The launch of the Art At Work follows years of success with its Artroom programme, which offers a similar outlet for patients and carers on the wards with activities including drawing, painting, photography and creative writing.
In addition, the charity has amassed a collection of 4,000 artworks which are regularly displayed at healthcare facilities across the north-east.
Sally Thomson, Grampian Hospitals Arts Trust director, said: “These arts sessions within the workplace mirror the Artroom project that GHAT delivers within wards for patients and their carers.
“By inviting artists into the workplace, staff will gain an insight into the benefits of our work in the hospitals of the north-east as well as enhancing their wellbeing while at work.”
Art At Work was launched this week with staff from Aberdeen firm Acumen Financial Planning, which has supported GHAT for the last six years.
Nicola Doohan, the firm’s recruitment and development manager, said: “We had a great session participating in the Art at Work initiative with GHAT and continue to be delighted to work with them.
“It was lovely to see and feel our team interacting in a completely different way and agree that this enhances wellbeing at work.
“We would highly recommend other businesses to consider supporting this.”
For more information, people can visit ghat-art.org.uk
