Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting in your office: poor lighting can lead to migraines, eye strain and depression. However, if you can utilize natural lighting and different form of artificial lights you can boost morale and create a more relaxed, productive office.

Boosting mood and productivity

There are several studies that support the theory that suitable lighting has a beneficial effect on mood and productivity. 68 per cent of employees complain about the lighting in their office – and for good reason. Harsh artificial lights lead to greater fatigue sooner in the day, whereas natural light enables you to work for longer. Proper lighting can not only be good for a person’s health, but it also provides positive attitudes and productivity, while also helping the company save up on money as employers can monitor the well-being of their employees.

Colour and temperature variations

A crucial factor affecting how we react to light sources is Colour Temperature – a term used to describe the look and ‘feel’ or ambience of an artificial light source. Essentially, some hues of light give off a warm ambience, while others emit a cold ambience – and most light sources fall somewhere on this scale. Higher-temperature lighting tends to result in higher workplace productivity, and can even counteract the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder – a condition thought to affect up to 14% of all adult workers, where the lower levels of natural light in the winter seasons can lead to a lower mood.

Choosing the best lighting: natural & artificial

With so many choices available, working out how to get more natural light in and choosing artificial lights can be overwhelming. The first thing to note is that you should go for LED lights over fluorescent ones. If employees are staying beyond sunset, then glaring fluorescent lights could mess with sleeping patterns. LED lights, meanwhile, can be dimmed to suit the time or the season. Efficiently hooking up lighting systems such as this can have a dramatically beneficial affect on your office.

Natural light is still usually the best light, though. Try to ensure your office has as many windows as possible. Or if the office is windowless, consider installing skylights to ensure that your employees have a soothing area to work in. After all, employees who were exposed to natural light in the office reported an 84 percent drop in eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision, according to research by the department of design and environmental analysis at Cornell University.

Lighting is often overlooked in the office – it’s seen as just a means to an end. But by thoughtfully installing the correct lighting you can boost productivity and mental welfare.