Research suggests that there is a strong link between lighting and productivity in the workplace. In fact, nearly 70% of office workers complain about the lighting situation at their job. With this in mind, employers should be taking the necessary steps to ensure that their offices are lit in an appropriate manner that encourages productivity. Here are 3 tips to improve your office’s lighting.
Keep lights indirect
Direct lighting is when the majority of the light source shines straight down on a certain object. It is therefore very useful to illuminate task-specific workspaces such as kitchens, or home desks.
However, for workers in a corporate environment, this type of lighting can be extremely distracting, and has been shown to decrease efficiency. Fortunately, there is an alternative. Indirect lights are designed to diffuse the light source, and therefore illuminate the whole room. Predictably, this creates a gentle, inviting environment that has been shown to boost employee morale, and increase collective workplace productivity.
Consider the positioning
It is crucial to consider where light sources are coming from; A light source aimed in the wrong direction can result in unwanted shadows or glares, and can therefore make it incredibly difficult to concentrate.
While many office owners enjoy the thought of a DIY job, installing & positioning light fixtures is not a straightforward task. It is important to note that electrical systems can be incredibly complex, and should therefore not be played around with. As a result of this, it is recommended that businesses utilise the services of a commercial electrician on the Sunshine Coast or wherever you are located.
Be energy-efficient
While most parts of an office must stay lit all day long, other areas only require lighting while they are being used; There is no point having a permanently lit stairwell, bathroom, or kitchen. Therefore, in order to save energy, it is recommended that businesses install motion sensors in these areas. These sensors will conserve energy by automatically turning off or dimming the light source when no one is around. While they may sound very elegant, light-activated motion sensors are now widely used, and are relatively inexpensive.
Another energy related consideration to make is choosing the type of light to use. The Australian government heavily advocates for the use of LED (Light Emitting Diode) globes. The primary benefits of LED lights are:
Longer life
Due to the LED bulb’s low heat levels, durability, and energy efficiency, they are able to outperform traditional bulbs by multiple years.
More energy efficient
The government is overly supportive of LEDs due to the low carbon footprint that they leave. As a result of this low environmental footprint, LEDs are estimated to use at least 75% less energy when being compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. As a result of this, using LEDs can be associated with a substantial financial benefit.
Higher levels of brightness
LEDs are capable of emitting a disproportionately high level of brightness per watt. In fact, a 6-watt LED bulb can produce the same amount of light as a 40-watt incandescent.
Safety
Incandescent bulbs can get exceptionally hot, and it is therefore suggested that they are kept out of a children’s reach. Additionally, Incandescent lights have also been known to catch fire if they come into contact with flammable materials. Conversely, LEDs do not emit any sort of infrared radiation in their bulb, meaning that these lights have no warmth. They are therefore much safer, and do not possess a serious fire hazard.
Conclusion
Many employers do not put a great deal of thought into the way that their office is lit. This is perhaps due to the fact that at face value, it seems like such a miniscule problem. However, research has shown that lighting is an imperative factor to workplace chemistry, and can have a great effect on an office’s productivity.
Additionally, this article has highlighted the importance of choosing the right light source; LED bulbs are not only better for the environment, but are also associated with a decrease in electrical expenses.