Guest post from Joe Humphries, check out the Patriot LED's website here.
Light has a significant influence on us. We even tend to organize our lives around it. For example, most of us will choose to work during the day when there is adequate light and to rest during the night. Quality light or lack of it also affects various aspects of our performance at the workplace. Having appropriate lighting in the office is essential for corporate tenants. Here are five reasons why.
1. Reducing Costs
The interior lighting system in the workplace consumes a lot of electricity. In fact, a quarter of the money spent on power in the United States goes into lighting. The budget runs well over $37 billion every year. In commercial buildings, lighting takes up more than 30% of the electricity budget.
You can reduce the overall cost of electricity by installing energy efficient bulbs such as LED lights. They usually consume 50% less power when compared to traditional fluorescent, incandescent, and halogen, options. LEDs are also designed to aim light in a specific direction (hemispherically) thus reducing wasted light and energy. They are also more durable and long-lasting.
2. Effects on Mood
Lighting affects us at a psychological level. Gloomy lighting can lead to depression. According to a paper published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), inadequate lighting can exacerbate psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders. On the other hand, proper lighting possesses biological and therapeutic effects. It is, therefore, essential to get just the right kind of lighting in the office.
3. Enhancing Productivity
The type of lighting you use in the workplace will have a direct impact on the productivity of employees. Quality illumination positively affects office worker productivity and satisfaction. Natural lighting works best at influencing employees positively since its aids our in-built clocks, what is referred to as circadian rhythm, to sync with our local environment.
Artificial environments can inhibit this synchronization. It is, therefore, crucial to provide as much natural light at the workplace as possible. Ensure that the office has adequate windows to let in enough light. The lighting shouldn’t be too bright though. Although bright light enhances productivity, too much of it can become a distraction.
Blue light can also enhance productivity. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), exposure to blue wavelength lights leads to better cognitive abilities.
But too much blue light can disrupt sleep cycles particularly for those working at night. You should use it before midday as a boost. However, employees who work with computers will get enough blue light from their screens, and you should opt for less of it in such instances.
4. Enhancing Creativity
Research conducted by the Journal of Environmental Psychology reveals that dim lights can also benefit people by giving them a boost of creativity. While brightly lit rooms promoted analytical thinking, dim lighting evoked feelings of self-determination and freedom and decreased inhibition among the subjects. People who work in a creative role should, therefore, operate in a dimly lit environment.
5. Promoting Safety
Poor lighting can lead to an array of physical problems. They can cause headaches and eye strain which may lead to other more serious health complications later on in life. They can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain as people strain to see things. Flickering fluorescent lights could also trigger seizures among workers. Proper lighting will also play a key role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. For example, it can avoid injuries such as tripping and falling or dropping materials and heavy equipment. Excellent lighting will enable workers to read instructions, product details, and warning signs better thus helping to avert unnecessary accidents at the workplace.
Conclusion
Lighting can make or break your office space. It directly affects morale, creativity, and productivity among workers. Efficient lighting can also help reduce energy costs significantly. Factors such as the age of employees and type of task should determine the kind and level of lighting you use. But apart from functionality, proper lighting will also make your office space more aesthetically pleasing.
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