How Lighting Affects Mood and Productivity

We’ve always been told since we were little kids that reading in the dark can harm your eyesight, but what do we know about the effects of lighting on ourselves other than the obvious “reading in the dark” scenario?

It’s been discovered through multiples studies that lighting can have a legitimate affect on your well-being and overall health, including your concentration and productivity. Lighting has also been found to decrease depression, improve mood and energy, and increase alertness. With all that said, it’s interesting that more workplaces don’t pay attention to these details when installing those fluorescent neon lights in a no-window corner office.

Don’t believe us? One example of a company that benefited from major lighting renovations was the US post office in Reno, Nevada, in the late 1980s. Not only did the renovation result in an energy saving of $50,000 a year, but it increased workers productivity so greatly that the expected increase of the company’s revenue was a whopping $500,000 a year.

And so, we’re here to examine the possible effects of different lighting in the workplace and what the best solution for you and your employees is.

Dim Lighting is a No Go!

Just like your parents told you to not read in the dark when you were a kid, we also recommend avoiding dim lighting. Dim lighting in the workplaces can cause eyestrain and drowsiness, which overall effect work productivity and sense of motivation.

High-Intensity Artificial Lighting Drawbacks

Fluorescent and halogen lights can be detrimental to a worker’s eyesight and also is identified as one of the major causes of migraine headache among workers. Artificial lighting has also been known to be difficult for allowing the eye to properly focus.

Natural Lighting is Best

There have been many studies that have concluded that natural lighting brings the most happiness and overall well-being to workers. In a study conducted by “The Responsible Workplace” in Britain, it was proven that windows were the number one determinant of an occupant’s level of satisfaction with a building. Why is that? Because windows allow more natural lighting. Natural lighting helps reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and there is also less reported injuries due to eyesight or migraines.

By opting for more natural lighting or other soft indirect lighting, you will not only save energy costs but also increase productivity and the overall wellness of your workers. It’s a long-term investment that’s worth considering. Have any lighting in the workplace tips that have helped you and your teammates? Feel free to leave a comment below – we’d be happy to hear from you. If you have any questions regarding the different lighting that Brooks Corning carries, feel free to give us a call at 604-688-6655. We’d be happy to have one of our representatives speak to you!

Sources:

https://www.business.com/articles/flick-of-a-switch-how-lighting-affects-productivity-and-mood/

http://www.andrewjensen.net/how-office-lighting-affects-productivity/

http://stunningmotivation.com/how-lighting-can-affect-your-productivity-at-work/