Lighting is a very important factor in having a healthy and productive workplace because being able to concentrate and stay motivated are just a few benefit of proper lighting. Whereas bad lighting can cause things like headaches, eyestrain, fatigue and depression. Yet, sadly proper office lighting is often overlooked. So we are here to tell you about a few workplace lighting hacks to create a healthier and more productive office!
Natural lighting is key
Natural lighting is always the best option when it comes to lighting for any space, but especially your office. So open up those doors and windows and let the natural light in. And if possible, also think about installing a skylight or even adding more windows. Newer buildings are all about big windows and a lot of natural lighting. But those who work in older office buildings without huge windows will really have to work to get all the benefits that natural light provides like being able to concentrate better. As well as overall feeling
healthier and therefore having to have fewer sick days.
Go blue with your lights
Although natural light isn’t always available there are some other ways to bring in “cool light” aka blue-toned, daylight-like lighting into your office environment. Why is it so important to have cooler toned blue lighting in your office? Well, studies show that this type of lighting boosts productivity and improves mood and overall well-being. Another benefit of blue-toned light bulbs is that they lower people’s melatonin levels. And since melatonin is the chemical that our bodies create when we get sleepy, lowering the melatonin levels will help us feel more awake and reduce fatigue.
Balance it out with dimmer switches
Besides replacing light bulbs in existing lamps with cool-toned light bulbs you should also ensure that your office lighting can be customised. For example, installing dimmer switches will allow you to ensure that the lighting in the office isn’t too harsh or too dim. Too dim of lighting can cause eye strain which can trigger headache. While lights that are too harsh can both cause unnecessary stress and anxiety as well as create shadows and glare that hinder productivity.
Let them customise
But don’t just rely on overhead lighting to provide proper lighting in your workplace either. Instead, make use of task lights that will provide light to exactly the places where it is needed. So make sure desk lamps are a part of your office set-up. Add an additional task light for every task that requires more light, like drawing, reading and so on. And you can even invest in solar outdoor lighting for the office’s balcony or patio, so even the lighting in the workplace’s outdoor spaces are optimised for peak productivity. Because by doing this you will create a more efficient and enjoyable workplace.
The importance of good-quality office furniture
Besides proper lighting, office furniture and décor can also have a huge effect on the work experience in an office environment. From artwork to office furniture and lighting there, are many ways to boost staff’s productivity. Using something as simple as contemporary home office furniture that looks good and is comfortable will allow people feel better and more relaxed at work. Which in return can lead to increased productivity and willingness to work overtime. Calibre offers one of the best ranges of office furniture in London, that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also super ergonomic as well, since having the proper office furniture is crucial to employee productivity.
So ensure, for example, that all your office desks are in the proper height for all of your employees. As desks that are too high or too low can lead to neck and shoulder pain. And keep in mind that while for some people the standard 29” desk height will be ideal, for those who are shorter a 27” inch desk might be better. How to know if a desk height is right for you? When you are typing your elbows should be even with the armrests on your chair.
Additionally, mesh office chairs are another great way to help an employee’s productivity. Using ergonomic mesh chairs keeps the body comfortable and in the correct position reducing body strain. On top of that they also allow for good air flow around the body, keeping it cool and you feeling good.
Whether you are trying to boost your productivity at home or trying to increase your employee’s productivity in the office, having the perfect office furniture and lighting is key to increased productivity, as well as morale and staff’s overall well-being. And who doesn’t like productive and diligent employees?
What are your thoughts on this matter?
Guest post by: Arthur Smith, Chief Editor at LEDwatcher