Current ergonomic studies have revealed that lighting significantly impacts your mood and productivity. Ergonomists study how people are efficient in their workplaces. You might have noticed that you will feel more relaxed and energetic whenever you walk under the noontime sunlight. Well, this is not just your imagination but a proven fact. Most employees report that good office lighting is critical to their work. Therefore, striving to find quality lighting for your office should be your utmost priority.
How Will Lighting Affect Your Mood and Productivity
The source of your office light could be artificial or natural, dim or bright, blue or yellow. The light your employees work under will affect their mood, daily pace, physical well-being, productivity, and resourcefulness differently. You cannot work at all without any light. However, when the light is dim, it becomes difficult for employees to work since continuous eye strain causes drowsiness and tiredness.
On the other hand, when the light is too bright, it is harsh on their eyes, affects their sleep patterns, and induces constant migraines. Poor lighting will cause your brain to strain to function, leading to fatigue and reducing your productivity and creativity.
Which Is the Best Office Lighting?
Finding the best light source that is the right balance between dim and too bright can be a daunting task. It is especially so due to the variety of office light fixtures and shades available in the market. The following tips will help you choose the best office lighting that will boost your employees’ efficiency, inspiration, and general health.
Fluorescent or LED Office Light Source
Fluorescent lights consume more energy than LED lights due to their infrared radiation. Many office managers now prefer LED lights over fluorescent since they last longer and are eventually cost-effective despite their initial high costs. LED lights are also advantageous because they boost employees’ health and productivity.
Fluorescent lights have been associated with migraines and poor sleep patterns. Unlike fluorescent, you can adjust the brightness of LED lights to match the employees’ needs according to the time and season.
Office Natural Light Source
Recent research findings have linked exposure to natural light in the office to less blurred vision, migraines, and eye strain among employees. Working under natural light helps employees maintain healthy sleep patterns and productivity during the day. This is because natural lights regulate your hormones and help to balance diurnal rhythm. Windows are a great way of letting natural light into your office spaces. Skylights will also help natural light flow into your office if you do not have enough windows.
Office Lighting Color and Temperature
The shade and warmth of the lighting should depend on how you use the office. The proper amount of illumination and the health effects of various spectrums and light intensity are essential and should be considered in the office design. Warmer yellow or orange lighting is typically preferable for unwinding, while cooler blue and white lighting are excellent for working, waking up, and focusing. The lighting tone and temperature should be adjustable to the time of day.
The Power of Right Light
The right amount of light suitable to your office function, the time of day, and the season will go a long way in boosting your employees’ mood, inspiration, productivity, and overall well-being. You should consider the light source that will produce the right light intensity and temperature for your employees round the working clock.
