How lighting can affect mood and productivity in the work place?
Office lighting is probably one of the last things thought about when building a business. With advancing technology in computer screens it should be one of the first things to consider. Modern-day workers spend more and more time at their desk looking at computer screens, which is not only impacting users eyesight, but also mood and productivity. In a time where speaking about mental health is becoming less of a taboo, is it time that employers start looking at ways to prevent mental illness and increase productivity within the work place.
Migraines and Headaches
It is common in an office to see overhead lighting whether that is from a panel lighting or a down light. With the glare from a computer screen this can often cause headaches and migraines. Migraines in particular can cause perfectly capable employees to have time off work thus reducing productivity in the workplace and increasing stress on other employees.
Drowsiness and Fatigue
Often employees find themselves drowsy especially in the afternoons, which can lead to browsing the web for unrelated work content, or lack of motivation for their job. Using alternative lighting such as individual strip light can increase productivity and motivation.
Eye Problems
It is a known fact that staring at a computer screen all day can affect eyesight. Bright screens can cause strain on the eyes not only causing eye sight problems but can also lead to migraines. Down lights are particular causes of eyestrain, particularly white lights. Having light distributed evenly or having individual lights reduces strain on the eyes.
The alternative to all of these problems is exposing employees to more natural light. Having said that, if knocking down walls to install windows natural light is not an option then there are alternatives are available. At study by Greenwich University shows that 75.8% of employees say that natural light is important to them. There are many ways that lights can change an employee’s mood. Adding individual lights on employee’s desks is one way that the employee can control their own light.
Another way of reciprocating natural light is by having colour changing lights. Blue tones of light can replicate the sky and early day light. This can be a way of boosting mood. In more intimate settings such as meeting rooms and small offices, soft lighting can be used such as yellows and warm whites to give a feeling of safety and comfort. Meetings can be stressful situations, so using soft light will have a positive effect on employees and productivity.
Using neon strip lights around desks combines both the individual lighting factor and the ability to change the colour of light. Not only will this increase productivity at work, but it will also save on energy bills and maintenance costs.
Naturally lit areas will always prove more effective and increase productivity but if that is not an option, products such as LED Neon strip will always help in replicating natural light.
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