The lighting scheme used in workplaces can have a significant effect on the wellbeing and mental health of employees. As organisations work towards encouraging more staff to return to the office, creating an environment that is welcoming and prioritises well being alongside productivity becomes increasingly important. Office lighting can play a major role in this.
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of staff suffering from mental health problems. This is a global change that adds up to a staggering 12 billion lost working days each year! According to a study by Corporate Compliance Insights, the difference between a stressed and a happy workforce equates to around 15% differences in productivity.
Planning the lighting system appropriately helps to improve wellbeing in a number of ways:
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of staff suffering from mental health problems. This is a global change that adds up to a staggering 12 billion lost working days each year! According to a study by Corporate Compliance Insights, the difference between a stressed and a happy workforce equates to around 15% differences in productivity.
Planning the lighting system appropriately helps to improve wellbeing in a number of ways:
By lighting different areas of the workplace according to their usage, you build a space where work is easier. In a modern workplace, the following should be considered:
Ambient Lighting evenly illuminates the entire space. It sets the overall tone and mood of the workplace. This creates a safer environment for staff to move around. Lower intensity lighting in areas away from where concentration is required means that focused workers are less distracted.
Comfort Lighting can have a large impact on creating a positive working environment. Planning lighting solutions that reduce glare from overhead, feature colour temperatures that reduce eyestrain, and reflect natural lighting conditions help to improve productivity.
Task Lighting provides localised illumination that allows the employee to concentrate on their work without distraction. Bright, diffuse lighting from above that prevents screen glare is commonly used, but may be supplemented by additional spot lighting closer to the workspace.
Natural light plays a crucial role in promoting positive moods. Research triggered by the shift to remote work found that the amount of natural light in home workspaces significantly impacted emotional well-being. The happiest workers were those in spaces with ample daylight.
In addition to the different working areas, lighting should be used to differentiate between different areas of a building.
The lighting needs of a working area – glare compliant, overhead task lights, and subdued ambient lighting to remove distraction – are different to the needs of social spaces. Using warmer colours for lighting in break rooms and lounges can make them more relaxing and encourage social interaction, which is key to improving collective wellness in the workplace.
Investing in high-quality office lighting isn’t just about aesthetics; it directly impacts employee mental health and productivity. By understanding the different types of lighting and their effects, organisations can create workspaces that promote well-being and enhance overall performance.
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